Pundit stunned by confirmed Newcastle United news – ‘Massive, these are astronomical figures’
Touting websites reselling tickets to Newcastle United’s FA Cup clash against Sunderland for up to £2000 is “absolutely crazy”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton was astonished by the “astronomical” prices for the highly anticipated tie.
Sites have set prices of £1500 for home seats at the Stadium of Light, while a spot in the away end could fetch £500 more for the Tyne-Wear derby next month (6 January).
The Magpies and the Black Cats have not faced off since their Premier League showdown in 2016 but drew each other in the third round of the FA Cup.
Northumbria Police have enforced strict rules on Newcastle fans ahead of the game, who must travel in a free bus service provided by the club, where they will then be provided with their tickets subject to showing ID.
Hutton was happy to see Magpies given a 6000-strong allocation for the game but was baffled by the “ridiculous” controversy.
“It’s absolutely crazy,” he told Football Insider.
“Anybody that has £2000 to spend in January too, fair play!
“But these are astronomical figures, it’s a bit ridiculous.
“But 6000 allocated away tickets is a good number.
“The Stadium of Light is a massive stadium, I’ve played there many times so I know what it’s all about.
“The atmosphere is great and I think Newcastle taking so many fans will be unbelievable.
“I don’t think they need more – keeping it at 6000 is okay.”
In other news, Sources: Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth ‘keen’ on Man United move.