GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally insists he is upset that many supporters have missed out on tickets for Saturday’s AXA FA Cup, fifth round, match against Arsenal at Highbury. All of Gills’ 6,180 ticket allocation were snapped up on Friday and dozens of season ticket holders have missed out on the biggest game of the season.

Mr Scally spoke to several disappointed season ticket holders during half-time at the Wimbledon game at Priestfield on Saturday and discussed the way the club distributes tickets.

Many season ticket holders are unhappy that they were not given exclusive priority over Priestfield club members. One season ticket holder and shareholder who contacted the Medway Today newspaper, said: “I have been coming to this football club since 1985 and have never felt so let down.

“It's an absolute disgrace that every other club in the country, ranging from the Carlisle to Manchester United, would give their season ticket holders first refusal on tickets where the allocation is greater than that of season tickets in issue. So why hasn't Gillingham?”

Mr Scally said the club appreciated the continued support of season ticket holders, but he also was trying to be fair to supporters unable to afford a large sum of money up front who still supported the club week-in week-out. The Gills chairman said that if the club had been drawn at home, season ticket holders would have had first refusal on their regular seats.

He told the club's official website: “Unfortunately, the simple fact is that demand on this occasion outstripped supply, and when that happens, someone is always disappointed.”

However he said that he would call a meeting to discuss the possibility of changing the allocation system in future. He added: “I hate to see any genuine fans disappointed.”