A furious row has erupted between Bristol City and Cardiff City over ticket prices for next month's FA Cup third-round showdown at Ashton Gate.

City officials intended making significant price cuts in order to reward their supporters and guarantee a bumper crowd for the January 2 derby tie.

But they met opposition from Cardiff, whose directors wanted to charge full Coca-Cola Championship admission prices.

And when the clubs failed to agree a price structure after days of wrangling, the Football Association was forced to step in and settle the disagreement.

Members of the FA competitions committee came up with a compromise, but it means City are now unable to offer additional concessions to season-card holders and members.

Not only has the argument created bad feeling between the two clubs, it has also served to delay the sale of tickets, in the process putting additional pressure on Ashton Gate staff during one of their busiest periods of the year.

City group managing director Doug Harman, who was involved in negotiations along with chief executive Colin Sexstone, told the Post: "We put forward proposals to reduce prices for the match, but for FA Cup fixtures, both clubs must agree on pricing options.

"Despite lengthy and detailed discussions between the two clubs, we have unfortunately been unable to agree a pricing structure.

"It has taken lots of time, but we are pleased prices have now finally been set, with FA intervention, with lower-than-league rates.

"However, our proposals to reward our loyal season-card holders and members with additional reductions have been rejected.

"We hope fans understand our frustrations and still turn up in numbers for what is sure to be a big game."

The Severnside rivals came out of the hat together during Sunday's televised draw at Wembley and City had hoped to make cut-price tickets available to season-card holders within 48 hours.

But these are still not available and the club has been forced to abandon proposals to charge season-card holders and members £18 and £13 (concessions) in all areas of the ground.

Because of Cardiff's inflexible stance, City officials now anticipate a lower-than-expected crowd for a game which is subject to the unpopular "bubble" restrictions.

Although the Bluebirds were eligible for 3,000 tickets, they chose to take up just 2,000. The prices imposed by the FA are sure to have an additional adverse effect on sales to travelling fans, who already resent the restrictions imposed by Avon and Somerset and South Wales Police.

In addition, City fans must now pay more for a game which takes place just five days after the home Championship fixture against Watford on December 28.

Tickets went on sale today for the Cardiff cup tie, costing £20 (adults), £15 (students/OAPs/disabled) and £5 (Under-16s).