Reds' ticket quota cut for United tie

Liverpool have had their ticket allocation for the forthcoming trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United slashed by almost a third.

The match on February 11 is likely to see Luis Suarez, banned for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra, make his first appearance away from Anfield since his suspension.

Liverpool’s Uruguay striker is certain to receive a hostile reception but there will be 1,000 fewer Reds fans — only 2,100 — inside Old Trafford to see it.

“The safety of all fans is paramount,” said a statement on liverpoolfc.tv.

In October United’s allocation for the reverse fixture was reduced from 3,015 to 1,965 on safety grounds after previous problems with visiting fans standing in aisles and gangways.