THE Football Association have backed Albion’s proposed safety measures for their cup tie with Crystal Palace – including an away allocation of 2,000 tickets.

Albion’s Safety Advisory Group helped draw up the measures for the FA Cup third round tie, which takes place on Monday, January 8.

The club will now work closely with the police, supporter groups and Crystal Palace themselves to help implement them.

No match tickets will be sold to home or away supporters after 12 noon on the day of the game.

Supporters’ faces must not be covered by hats, scarves, hoods or masks (i.e. they must be recognisable) when entering the turnstiles.

And tickets in the South Stand will not be made available to Albion supporters for the match.

Albion are keen for the tie to pass off as smoothly as possible after various problems during the recent Premier League meeting between the sides.