FEWER fans of Manchester United will be allowed to attend matches at Sunderland next season after they remained standing for entire games at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland AFC yesterday announced its intention to reduce the ticket allocation to the Premiership leaders next season, from 3,000 to 1,100.

The stadium's Safety Advisory Group, made up of representatives of the police, fire brigade, ambulance service, city council and the club, took the decision following concerns over Red Devils' fans standing throughout the whole of this season's Worthington Cup and league matches at Sunderland.

It is the first such restriction imposed by the club since the move to the all-seater Stadium of Light in July 1997.

The club said it is following up a decision taken by North-East neighbours Middlesbrough, after similar concerns were raised over United fans standing at games at the Riverside Stadium.

Safety officer John Davidson, said: "Sunderland prides itself on the family atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.

"Our own supporters are very well-behaved at matches and respect the club's social behaviour policy, which aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for supporters of all ages.

"At previous fixtures, Manchester United have refused to comply with stewards' requests that they remain seated during the game.

"As a result, the Safety Advisory Group has decided that a reduction in the club's allocation of tickets is required."