Millwall protests force FA to review ticket policy

The Football Association are to review their Cup Final ticket allocation procedures after protests from Millwall.

They will consider consulting finalists in future following claims by the First Division club that they were left out of preparations for next month's game against Manchester United. Millwall have ended up with 6,600 fewer tickets than their opponents at the Millennium stadium and were bitterly disappointed with the way the decision was reached.

The club initially refused to back down but last night agreed to release a joint statement after a meeting between chairman Theo Paphitis and FA chief executive Mark Palios. It said: "Millwall again expressed their deep disappointment at the allocation of tickets and the way the decision was reached.

"Although it would be a break with protocol, the presence of competing clubs at safety meetings will be one of the areas of procedure that will be reviewed by the FA. Both Millwall and the FA recognise that safety and security are paramount in any decision taken.

"The FA acknowledge the disappointment of those Millwall fans who will not be able to attend the Cup Final."

Millwall will begin selling their tickets to season-ticket holders from Sunday, with members able to secure their seats next week.