NEWPORT closed their ticket office ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United this weekend after staff suffered “appalling abuse and threatening behaviour.”

The Welsh minnows host the Premier League giants at a sold-out Rodney Parade on Sunday — the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

Remaining tickets were only made available for purchase online today after the League Two club closed its ticket office.

“Unfortunately, this decision has been made after the appalling abuse and threatening behaviour the ticket office and support staff received during the priority purchase period on Thursday,” Newport said in a club statement.

“The club will not condone this behaviour towards any member of its staff and will employ a zero-tolerance policy going forward which may result in stadium bans or legal action.”

A crowd of around 10,000 is expected after Newport increased capacity by erecting a temporary stand behind one of the goals at Rodney Parade.

Newport manager Graham Coughlan has called the visit of 12-time cup winners United as the “biggest game” in the club’s history.

The in-form Exiles, who stand to make £400,000 from the televised tie, extended their unbeaten run to seven games on Saturday by beating Welsh rivals Wrexham 1-0 at home.