Arsenal have had to abandon plans to sell off 38,500 seats from Highbury to fans because small traces of toxic metal cadmium have been found in them.

The seats were to be sold, priced £19.99, to allow fans a souvenir before the move to the Emirates Stadium.

“The fact that there is a very small risk is enough reason to stop us from releasing them,” said managing director Keith Edelman.

“It’s very frustrating. I apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.”

All fans who placed an order will be reimbursed and the club has pledged it will make a donation on behalf of all purchasers to the David Rocastle Trust.

Other memorabilia will be available at an auction on 29 July, and fans can still buy a one square foot patch of the Highbury pitch for £25.

Posted: 05|10|06 at 12:22 pm. Filed under: UK News.