Arsenal hit with FA sanctions for breaching regulations during Man Utd clash

Arsenal have been slapped with a suspended fine of £500,000 for breaking FA Cup rules ahead of their clash with Manchester United in January. The dispute centered around United's away ticket allocation.

The Red Devils were provided with 8,000 seats at the Emirates, less than they should've been given. FA rules state that away clubs must be allocated up to 15 per cent of the ground capacity, more than the percentage required for Premier League matches.

United complained to the FA after not being given the maximum 9,000 tickets but the Gunners cited safety concerns. The Safety Advisory Group insisted the upper tier at the Emirates can't be used for the away fans due to concerns over persistent standing.

Now the FA have reached a verdict, nine months after the fixture was played and United won 5-3 on penalties. A statement read: "It was alleged that Arsenal FC had breached the 2024-25 FA Cup Rule 192, and the matter was referred to the PGB (Professional Game Board) for consideration.

"The PGB concluded that Arsenal FC had failed to comply with the 2024-25 FA Cup Rule 192 and imposed a suspended £500,000 fine. The fine is suspended pending Arsenal FC's confirmation that it is able to comply with this requirement for the 2025-26 FA Cup third round and continued compliance for any further rounds of this season's competition."

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It marks the end of a lengthy row between the clubs. United also claimed victory on the pitch, with the scores having been 1-1 after extra-time.

Ruben Amorim's side therefore advanced to the fourth round, beating Leicester 2-1 at home. But the Red Devils' run soon came to an end, as Fulham won on penalties at Old Trafford in round five.

Arsenal and United faced off again in March, drawing 1-1 at Old Trafford. They then met again in Manchester on the opening day of the new season, with the Gunners running out 1-0 winners.

Barring another FA Cup tie, they'll next face each other on the weekend of January 24. Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League table after collecting 16 points from their opening seven games.

United, meanwhile, are down in 10th place after a difficult start to the season. They've won three of their last five fixtures, though, and will relish next Sunday's trip to Anfield to face arch enemies Liverpool.

They'll have Arsenal's support, as Mikel Arteta and Co. are looking to pip Liverpool to the title after missing out last year. The Premier League is currently on hold for the ongoing international break.

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