FA Cup: ‘Abuse and threatening behaviour’ prompts Newport ticket office closure

Newport County have cited “abuse and threatening behaviour” aimed at staff last week as the reason for closing the club’s ticket office.

Newport say staff were abused when priority tickets were sold on Thursday.

The club have threatened “stadium bans or legal action” if the behaviour continues.

In a strongly worded statement, Newport explained their move for remaining tickets to be for sale via online only, saying: “Unfortunately this decision has been made after the appalling abuse and threatening behaviour the ticket office and support staff received during the priority purchase on Thursday.

“The club will not condone this behaviour towards any member of its staff and will employ a zero-tolerance policy going forward which may result in stadium bans or legal action.

“The club’s small pool of staff has worked extremely hard across long hours in recent weeks to organise the two sell-out games against Wrexham and Manchester United.

“The club would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment.”

The League Two outfit were also selling additional tickets for Saturday’s sell-out 1-0 victory over Welsh rivals Wrexham.

That game attracted a crowd of 9,537 after temporary stands were erected at both ends of the ground following last Tuesday’s 3-1 FA Cup third-round replay win at Eastleigh which booked them their tie with Premier League Manchester United.

Newport’s fourth round televised home draw against United on Sunday (16:30 GMT) is expected to earn the club around £400,000.