Manchester United fans could have ticket allocation at Liverpool reduced by a third due to ‘standing problems’

Fans who persist in standing could force Manchester United‘s ticket allocation at Liverpool to be slashed by a third this season.

The number of tickets could be reduced from 3,015 to 1,965 to reduce gangway blockages, a report submitted to Liverpool City Council suggested.

The Ground Safety Advisory Group collated results from last April’s match.

“Pictures were presented which showed how the gangways at that game were affected compared to a similar high-profile game where persistent standing also occurred,” said the report.

“The actions of the Manchester United supporters had overwhelmed the reasonable operations of the stewards through the management plan.

“This is an escalation of the actions of the supporters from previous games.

“It is not clear what more the club can reasonably do through stewarding measures to ensure spectators do not encroach in to gangways.

“Spectators from other away clubs attending the ground also persistently stand.

“However they do not spread out in to the gangways to the same extent that the Manchester United spectators do.”

The final decision will be made on April 8 by Liverpool City Council’s licensing committee.