FA steps in over Shrewsbury v Southampton ticket prices

FA BOSSES today stepped in to resolve a disagreement which broke out over ticket prices for Shrewsbury Town's FA Cup first round tie at League One side Southampton.

It comes after Shrewsbury Town challenged Southampton's decision to sell tickets for the cup tie for a cut-price £10.

League Two side Town wanted tickets to be sold at full price for the game at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium - a move which Southampton claimed on its website was an attempt by Town to "cash in" on the game.

And now the Football Association has stepped in to settle the matter ahead of the game on November 6 and set prices at £15 for adults.

Martin James, community development manager for Shrewsbury Town, said: "We think what's written and the way it was written on Southampton's website about another football club is quite unacceptable.

"We're entitled to challenge any pricing policy as we have in the past. We've accepted the tribunal's decision of the FA but it's really unfortunate that they've written what they have."

Tickets for the clash were due to go on sale today for seats in the Northam and the Itchen stands priced at £15 for adults, £10 for young adults and OAPs and £5 for children.

The disagreement over the tickets broke out after the draw and a statement posted on Southampton's club website today said: "Saints are pleased to be able to unveil ticket prices for the FA Cup tie at St Mary's against Shrewsbury Town on November 6.

"Bearing in mind the opposition, and the number of other significant home matches during November, the club had wished to push through discounted rates for this match, in order to reward our most loyal fans.

"As no compromise was able to be reached the matter was handed to the FA. We are extremely grateful to the FA for agreeing that the club's initial pricing structure represents a fair option for both Saints and Shrews fans."

Shrewsbury Town were drawn against Southampton on Sunday, to hand the Shropshire club one of the most glamorous ties of the round.

The Football Association was unavailable to comment on the issue.

By Emma Kasprzak