Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Champions League, UEFA, Paris Saint-Germain
Josh Lawless
Topics: Arsenal, Champions League, UEFA, Paris Saint-Germain
Arsenal have been accused of breaking a major UEFA rule for the upcoming Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
After knocking off 15-time European Champions Real Madrid with a stunning 5-1 aggregate win in the quarter-finals, the Gunners take on PSG over two legs - starting with the home fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 29 April.
However, it's emerged that a major issue between the clubs has arisen prior to the game.
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According to France Bleu, thousands of PSG fans have been left in the dark over tickets - which have not yet gone on sale even though the game is just days away.
The ticket office to purchase tickets in the away end has not yet opened and it's claimed that the lack of movement stems from Arsenal not complying with official UEFA regulations.
UEFA rules state that clubs must allocate 5% of tickets to away fans, meaning PSG would be allowed 3,000 noisy fans inside the Emirates.
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They had the exact same amount for the game which took place in the group phase, in October where Arsenal won 2-0 courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
However, it's reported that Arsenal are trying to reduce it to 2,500 tickets but there is no reason given as to why.
"PSG is fighting to enforce the rule and have 3,000 Parisians at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, and for the moment, they are not succeeding," a source told the outlet.
Demand for tickets is sure to be off the charts and PSG fans must continue to wait in hope that they will get their desired allocation and an extra 500 tickets.
This is not the first time that Arsenal have been involved in a similar ticket dispute at the Emirates. In January, they were accused of breaking FA Cup rules for the clash with Manchester United, who were given allocation of 8,000 by Arsenal despite being entitled to 9,000 fans.
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As per Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, the decision was taken due to "safety concerns" - with the Safety Advisory Group, which involves club officials, council officers and members of the emergency services, having the final say despite efforts from United to get the additional 1,000 tickets they felt was only right.
SPORTbible has reached out to Arsenal for comment.