ARSENAL ON ALERT OVER RUSSIA TRIP
ARSENAL will send officials to Russia next week to assess security after being drawn to face CSKA Moscow in the Europa League.
The last-eight tie next month comes amid growing tension between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury.
Arsene Wenger’s side will take on CSKA at the Emirates on April 5 and the Gunners expect to get up to 4,000 tickets for the return leg on April 12.
Arsenal yesterday warned travelling supporters to stay vigilant and be wary of the potential for “anti-British sentiment or harassment” in the Russian capital.
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A club spokesman said: “The safety of our fans is always a top priority for us and we will be working with the relevant authorities in London and Moscow in preparation for the game.”
Officials will fly to Moscow next week to plan the potential powder-keg trip for the team and will look into security arrangements for fans.
There have been calls for England to boycott this summer’s World Cup in Russia and Arsenal fans could face a backlash.
To make matters worse, the last time the two teams played coincided with the poisoning of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London.
The man suspected of his murder, Andrei Lugovoy, even attended the Champions League game between the teams, having met Litvinenko at ® a hotel earlier in day. Traces of polonium 210, the radioactive isotope which killed him, were later discovered at the Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal Independent Supporters’ Association are set to consult closely with the club after labelling the draw a “hot potato”.
Chair Lois Langton said: “AISA will work with the club to help ensure the safety of those supporters who do plan to travel to Moscow.
“It’s a hot potato of a draw in view of the political stand-off between the UK and Russia at present, although no doubt it will inject some hype and tension into this season’s Europa League.
“It probably isn’t going to be the destination of choice for many supporters and the Foreign Office travel advice will need to be listened to.”
A CSKA spokesman said: “We are happy to play Arsenal and don’t see any danger for English fans that would like to come to Moscow.”
European football’s governing body UEFA also vowed to make sure that both legs pass off peacefully.
A spokesman said: “We are committed to remain politically neutral and will not get involved in governmental affairs.
“As is the case in all our competitions, UEFA has rules regarding safety and security in relation to the organisation of matches and works closely with all clubs and local authorities to ensure all necessary measures are implemented to guarantee safety for all involved.”