Arsenal have received a fine of £500,000 ($665,000) from the Professional Game Board (PGB) for breaching FA Cup rules during last season's third-round tie against Manchester United in January. The breach concerned FA Cup Rule 192, which stipulates that for matches other than a semi-final or the final, the away club is entitled to claim 15 per cent of the tickets issued.
Man Utd left short by Gunners
Man Utd were due 9,000 tickets for the match at the Emirates Stadium, but were left over a thousand short, receiving just 7,956. This was attributed to safety concerns by Arsenal, who cited issues with housing away supporters in the upper tier due to persistent standing. The PGB determined that Arsenal had failed to comply with the rule, but the £500k fine is suspended, conditional on the Gunners confirming their ability to comply with ticketing requirements for the upcoming FA Cup third round and demonstrating continued compliance in any subsequent rounds of the current season's competition.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited fans denied chance to watch penalty thriller
Unfortunately for United fans who weren’t able to secure a ticket they missed a classic. United dumped Arsenal of the cup in a dramatic third-round clash, winning 5-3 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 following extra time. The visitors initially took the lead courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes strike in the 52nd minute, but their advantage was short-lived as Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card for a foul, reducing United to 10 men and Arsenal quickly capitalised, equalising two minutes later through Gabriel. The game intensified with a controversial penalty awarded to Arsenal for a foul on Kai Havertz by Harry Maguire, but Altay Bayindir, saved Martin Odegaard's penalty. Arsenal pressed for a winner in the remaining time, creating numerous chances including a missed open goal opportunity by Havertz, but Bayindir's performance kept United in the game. In the shootout, United converted all five of their penalties, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring the decisive spot-kick after Havertz missed for Arsenal. The win saw United progress to the fourth round, where they beat Leicester City at home before being eliminated on penalties by Fulham in the fifth round.
Grand ground plans for Gunners
Arsenal are exploring a significant expansion and modernisation of the Emirates, nearly two decades after moving from Highbury in 2006. The current plan aims to increase the stadium's capacity from 60,700 to over 70,000 seats, which would make it the largest club ground in London, surpassing Tottenham and West Ham. This proposed £500 million ($664.2m) project seeks to boost matchday revenue and address a season ticket waiting list exceeding 100,000 fans. A dedicated working group is actively assessing design options, including altering the gradient of the stands and reconfiguring seating arrangements, with most changes expected to occur within the existing structure. However, the tight 17-acre site, nestled in a residential area with nearby railway lines, presents a complex logistical challenge and planning permission could take up to five years to secure. Should construction commence, Arsenal may be required to temporarily relocate their home matches, potentially to Wembley Stadium, echoing a move made by Tottenham during their stadium rebuild. While the expansion aims to secure the club's financial future and competitive edge, the move could impact the men’s and women’s teams. No final decision has been announced, as the club continues to weigh-up various options.
Getty Images SportThird round drama returns in January
The draw for the third round of the will be held shortly after the completion of the second round proper, which takes place around the weekend of December 6. This is when clubs from the Premier League and Championship enter the competition and the third round ties themselves are scheduled to be played on/around the weekend of January 10 next year.