Margate incur Cardiff's wrath

Cardiff beat Tranmere to book their place in Round Two

Cardiff City have criticised FA Cup opponents Margate for increasing ticket prices for next Saturday's Second Round tie.

According to Bluebirds chief executive David Temme, the Nationwide Conference side have upped the prices by 70%.

Temme also revealed that Cardiff have decided not to accept Margate's offer of an extra 1,200 tickets for the match in Dover.

Cardiff will sell only the 15% allocation of 825 tickets they are entitled to under FA Cup rules.

Margate are trying to maximise their return from the game

Cardiff City's David Temme

Margate had considered switching the match to Cardiff's Ninian Park ground, but decided that home advantage would give them a better chance of a shock win.

They are ground-sharing with Dover Athletic while their own facilities at Hartsdown Park are being upgraded

Margate dismiss Ninian switch

Said Temme: "We objected to a 50% hike in prices - it's a 70% hike for standing tickets.

"It seems extraordinary to me that someone can be allowed to normally charge £8, £5 and £3.50 and then be allowed to charge £15 for a standing ticket in an open terrace.

"I don't suppose I should be too surprised - they're trying to maximise their return from the game.

"I just don't want them to maximise that return from our supporters when they've got the additional burden of paying to go down there."

Anticipating a strong travelling support, Margate offered Cardiff 2,025 tickets for the encounter.

That offer was turned down, and Temme denied the decision had anything to do with concerns over the behaviour of their fans.

Cardiff are trying to stamp out the hooligan element

The club's hooligan element has attracted the wrong kind of headlines for the club following clashes with Leeds United and Stoke City fans over recent seasons.

But Temme has praised the club's supporters, and believes the 825 tickets will be enough to satisfy the demand from the fans.

"Cardiff City fans this year have been fantastic," said Temme.

"For the last three years, the way they've organised themselves on away travel has been a credit to us.

"I'm proud of our fans - they are fantastic."

The 452 Cardiff fans who travelled to Tranmere for the First Round tie will get first refusal on the tickets for Margate.

Any remaining tickets will then be made available to season tickets holders and club members.