As if their rivalry wasn't already big enough, Arsenal and Tottenham's Carling Cup semi final on Tuesday has been given extra spice by an off-field row over ticket prices.

Tottenham director Paul Barber has described as 'nonsense' suggestions that their insistence on higher charges led to the lowest ever Emirates crowd -53,136 - for a competitive match in the first leg, reports the Daily Mail.

With 45 per cent of the gate going to the away side in the Cup, ticket pricing has to be agreed. Arsenal wanted to continue charging £10-£20, while Tottenham wanted category A prices, which will be in force in Tuesday's second leg - up to £71 for some seats.

Barber said: "A cup semi-final against our biggest rivals is just about the biggest game anyone could see at White Hart Lane. Our policy is to take the Carling Cup very seriously. We put out our first team."