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Walton MP Steve Rotheram has demanded evidence from the Football Association to show why it sanctioned Arsenal’s decision to reduce the number of tickets available to Everton fans for the FA Cup quarter-final tie.

The die-hard Liverpool fan is the latest politician to weigh into the row that has already prompted former health secretary Andy Burnham to throw his weight behind the Blues.

Mr Rotheram said in recent FA cup ties Arsenal has given fewer than the 15% of tickets the FA recommends to Liverpool supporters and fans of the Gunners’ arch-rivals Tottenham.

But for the third-round draw against Coventry, the away supporters received 9,000 – 15% of the seats available in the 60,000-seater Emirates stadium.

Everton have been given just 5,186 tickets, and Mr Rotheram said it appeared the FA’s own rules were being breached persistently, with Arsenal claiming fans standing up was raising safety fears.

In a letter to FA chairman Greg Dyke – sent at the same time that Liverpool-born Blues fan Andy Burnham wrote Mr Dyke urging him to intervene – Mr Rotheram said: “In the 21st century, with the Emirates stadium the most modern ground in the top flight having only opened in July 2006, it is somewhat perplexing that Arsenal Football Club can have such little confidence in their own stewarding structure that they feel the only course of action is to deny more than 4,000 Evertonians the chance to enjoy the FA Cup quarter final.

“This decision calls into question the validity of the FA’s claims that it is working hard to restore the romanticism of the FA Cup and I strongly urge you to reconsider this course of action and allow Everton to sell their full allocation of tickets for such an important game”.

On Tuesday the ECHO revealed how Mr Burnham had urged Mr Dyke to “stand up” for Everton fans, saying “Everton supporters travel all over the country in large numbers and at great expense.

"Over the years, our club has helped build the FA Cup into what it is today.

“I believe the FA owes it to Everton to uphold the rights of our supporters, as set out by the FA, to be part of this important occasion. “I therefore call on the FA to take urgent action to ensure a full and fair allocation for visiting Everton supporters and, in doing so, uphold the traditions and spirit of its own competition.”