Arsenal launch review into ticketing arrangements following Cologne crowd problems

Police outside the stadium prior to the Europa League match
Police outside the stadium prior to last night's match Credit: PA

Arsenal will conduct a full review to determine how vast numbers of Cologne supporters gained access to the home sections of the Emirates Stadium for Thursday night's Europa League clash.

The Group H opener, in which Arsenal eventually ran out as 3-1 winners, was delayed by an hour as ticketless Cologne fans looked to gain entry to the ground.

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

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

Five arrests were made over the course of the evening and Arsenal issued a statement on Friday insisting the safety of supporters was the main concern at the time.

Riot police patrols near Cologne's fans during the UEFA Europa League Group H soccer match between Arsenal FC and FC Cologne at the Emirates Stadium
3,000 tickets were issued, but 20,000 fans arrived Credit:  EPA

The statement read: "We worked in full consultation with police and UEFA officials on the night and in advance of the game and had taken extensive steps in advance to prevent tickets being sold to visiting supporters. 

"This included a number of measures including ensuring no tickets were sold via general sale and that no red memberships purchased after the draw were able to be used to get tickets in the home end for this match. We also worked with our colleagues at Cologne to stop supporters travelling without match tickets.

"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. Many tickets were sold through touts and this is very disappointing.

"We have launched a full review into the circumstances surrounding the game and will ensure any lessons that can be learned are used in the future."

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