Albion hit back in Cardiff ticket row
Albion have hit back in a tickets row with Cardiff after Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale branded their reduced Hawthorns ticket allocation "a disgrace."
Cardiff fans are threatening a protest at the December 8 Hawthorns match after they were given fewer than 1,400 tickets – 1,400 down on their standard away allocation.
But Baggies officials have rejected claims they went against police advice, insisting the decision was taken on the advice of safety experts.
Club spokesman John Simpson said: "The Club has allocated Cardiff 1,328 tickets for their forthcoming game at The Hawthorns following discussions with West Bromwich Albion's Safety Advisory Group (WBASAG).
"This was a unanimous decision by the WBASAG, which comprises representatives of the club, Sandwell MBC and other key licensing bodies.
"West Midlands Police is also represented on the WBASAG and was not only involved in the discussions but is also wholly behind the final decision. A risk assessment is completed before each game, largely based on the behaviour of each club's supporters, before a decision is made on ticket allocations and control measures.
"The club has to follow the recommendations of the WBASAG as failure to comply could result in the withdrawal of our general safety certificate, which means we would not be able to allow any supporters into Hawthorns matches."
Albion normally allocate away clubs 2,800 seats in the Smethwick End, but Cardiff's reputation for crowd disturbances means the safety advisory group recommended a reduced number.
The decision has angered Welsh fans with Vince Alm, of Cardiff City Supporters Club, planning a "silent, peaceful protest" and even hinting they could demonstrate outside Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace's house.
Ridsdale said: "The West Brom stance is disgraceful. Vince Alm and the Supporters Club have done an outstanding job standing up for the rights of fans.
"The football club have also been in touch with West Brom about this. Their position is unacceptable."
