Uefa sanctions would be ‘unfair’

Arsenal boss hits out in wake of Europa League disturbance

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes it would be “completely unfair” for the club to be punished over Thursday’s Europa League clash against Cologne.

Uefa have opened disciplinary proceedings against both clubs after crowd trouble overshadowed the match at the Emirates Stadium in London.

The Group H tie, which Arsenal won 3-1, was delayed by an hour as ticketless Cologne fans looked to gain entry.

The visitors were issued with 3,000 tickets, but around 20,000 Cologne fans are believed to have made the journey.

There were clearly thousands of away supporters sitting among Arsenal fans, causing a security risk.

Five arrests were made. Cologne’s charges included crowd disturbances, setting off fireworks, throwing of objects and acts of damage by the Cologne fans, while Arsenal face a probe for “stairways blocked in away supporter sector”.

Wenger said Arsenal had done everything possible to manage the situation and should not face ramifications.

The Arsenal boss, who takes his side to face Premier League champions Chelsea tomorrow, admitted that he was almost certain Thursday’s game would be postponed as police and event staff battled to get the crowds under control.

Arsenal issued a statement yesterday insisting the safety of supporters was the main concern at the time as the Premier League club “launched a full review” of the events.

Arsenal say the club will take measures to avoid any repeat of the issues faced on Thursday night.

“The 3,000 tickets issued to Cologne fans was in line with competition rules but it is clear many more visiting fans arrived, causing significant congestion and disturbance outside the stadium before kick-off,” a statement said.

“Many tickets were sold through touts and this is very disappointing and something we continue to work hard to address.”