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

Arsenal played Manchester United in the FA Cup earlier this year and a simmering row between the two Premier League clubs has been ongoing since the fixture took place

Arsenal have been slapped with a suspended fine of £500,000 for breaking FA Cup rules ahead of their clash with Manchester United back in January. The row was to due with 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 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 supporters due to concerns over persistent standing.

Now the FA have reached a verdict, nine months after the fixture was played and United won 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.”

It marks the end of a lengthy row between the clubs. United also claimed victory on the pitch, as they won the penalty shootout 5-3 following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and extra-time.

Ruben Amorim’s side advanced to the fourth round in which they beat Leicester 2-1 at home. But the Red Devils’ run came to an end at the following stage, 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 clashed on the opening day of the new season in Manchester, 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 their 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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