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In a statement published on the club's website, Linfield said it strongly condemned the decision and will not sell tickets for the Boxing Day fixture.

The fans are also threatening to boycott the Big match.

"Fans are pretty angry at the minute. Most of them are going to boycott it if prices don't change", Mark Hanna, a Linfield fan, told UTV.

Glentoran chairman Aubrey Ralph said increased security costs are the reason behind the increase.

He said a final decision won't be taken before Friday, insisting both sets of fans would be affected.

"We're still considering our position", Mr Ralph told UTV.

"We're a bit disappointed that a statement was issued. I don't know how quickly people expect things to be reconsidered.

"I'll be hopeful we'll be able to notify people correctly in the next couple of days."

The Big Two clash will be played at the Oval on December 26.

Trouble flared during the festive fixture held at Windsor Park last year.

Both clubs were fined £1000 and given the threat of a £40,000 punishment if crowd trouble occurred at future holiday games.

"We need to be aware there are £40,000 fines hanging over both clubs. We need to be aware the security costs are escalating", the Glentoran chairman added.

Mr Ralph insisted the move had nothing to do with the club's financial problems.

"Our financial problems are well documented. Whether we were the richest club in the country it would not alter the fact there are extreme costs associated with this," he said.

Linfield fans have urged Glentoran to absorb the extra cost this time around.

"You can't blame the fans. The minority of fans (causing problems) is always going to be there no matter what the price is going to be. But they can't take it out on the other fans. It's not fair on the fans who genuinely want to see the game," a Linfield fan told UTV.

© UTV News