Farnbrough apply to play tie at Highbury

Farnborough have made official request to Football Association to play FA Cup tie against Arsenal at Highbury, according to Sky Sports News.

The FA's announcement of the live TV schedule stressed that a 12.30pm kick-off on January 25 was "subject to the tie being played at Farnborough FC", although a Sky spokesman insisted last night no final decision had yet been made.

At Highbury, meanwhile, not only would more than 5,000 of Farnborough’s fans be able to attend but they would be entitled to a 50% share of the gate receipts, which would net them a sizeable six-figure sum, in any case.

Midfielder Michael Warner, who is also the club’s commercial manager, admitted yesterday: “A lot of people want us to play it here but the problem is whether the ground is secure and safe enough to stage such a big game.

“That is for the club to decide along with the safety authorities. Certainly the players would love to play at Highbury though.

“That sort of opportunity probably only comes round once in your life and a lot of fans are wondering whether they’d be able to get tickets at home.”

Despite the financial rewards at stake, the FA have emphasised that FA Cup ties can only be switched on “safety and security issues”.