• Away fans voiced concerns over possible £93 seats
• Highest priced ticket will now be £54

Arsenal have confirmed their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium will be a “Category B” fixture, and so not at the highest band of ticket prices.

Fans’ group Spirit of Shankly wrote to both Arsenal and Liverpool requesting more consideration was given to away supporters, who could have faced paying up to £93, in a move also backed by the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust. Combined with the potential for live television commitments to impact on the kick-off time, there were fears fans would draw the short straw once again.

Following internal consultation, rather than as a direct result of any external pressure from supporters, Arsenal have decided not to designate the tie in the top bracket, which now means the expected 9,000-strong visiting support can expect an outlay of no more than £54, with many seats available for £35.50.

A club statement read: “Arsenal has announced that the forthcoming FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool will be classified as a B category fixture.

“This match would normally be designated as an A category game.

“However, after the FA Cup draw was made on Sunday, the club considered a wide range of factors, including our cup draws to date and our forthcoming fixture schedule, and has decided to make it a B category match.

“The FA Cup fifth-round tie will be played at Emirates Stadium on the weekend of February 14/15/16/17 (date to be announced soon by the FA).

“Gold members (season-ticket holders) will be able to use the seventh (out of seven) cup tie credit included in the season ticket for this match.”

• Arsenal
• Liverpool
• FA Cup

theguardian.com