Arsenal Football Club have urged their fans to take extra care, and to keep up-to-date with the latest political advice when considering visiting Russia for the Europa League clash with CSKA Moscow.
There are broad safety concerns currently amidst our Prime Minister’s accusations towards Vladamir Putin and his Russian comrades, and violence is a distinct possibility in the near future, and this tie couldn’t have come at a worse time in recent history.
We will play host to CSKA on April 5 before travelling to the Soviet Union a week later to complete the tie, and there is the distinct possibility that there could be a number of breakouts from fan groups, and fans of small children should seriously assess their decision to bring their younger ones into that hostile environment.
A statement on Arsenal’s official website read: “Supporters planning to go to our Europa League quarter-final away to CSKA Moscow on Thursday, April 12 should be aware of the following travel advice, from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
“Due to heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-British sentiment or harassment at this time; you’re advised to remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.
“While the British Embassy in Moscow is not aware of any increased difficulties for British people travelling in Russia at this time, you should follow the security and political situation closely and keep up to date with this travel advice.”
The Arsenal Independent Supporters Association has already issued a statement claiming that they will liaise and do their best to keep all those attending as safe as possible.
“AISA will work with the club to help ensure the safety of those supporters who do plan to travel to Moscow,” AISA chair Lois Langton told Press Association Sport.
“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.”
Would international tensions affect your decision to travel or not? Would you have expected a hostile environment in Russia regardless of the latest political disagreements?
Pat J
Any fan who, still, is daft enough to go to Moscow needs their head examining. If they take children with them , then they are not fit to be parents.
I wonder, will we be travelling to the Soviet union in a time machine?
I wouldn’t want to go there! It’ll be a bloody nightmare
Agree 100% with the above comments.
Just watched the highlights of the CSKA Moscow vs Lyon game and the referee denied Lyon a sure fire penalty for a blatant shirt pull by a CSKA defefender in the box.
I’m going.Why wouldn’t I?Ive been there before and know what to do and where not to go.Flights booked today and will sort hotel next week.Its a game of football FFS.If Big Bonking Boris had kept his oversized gob shut then the issues would not be anywhere near as bad as they now appear.Anyway if some 7 foot Russian Ultra tries to intimidate me I will just simply stick TWO pencils up my nostrils and say the Word WIBBLE.They will then think I’m mad beyond belief and go attack a 78 year old Granny.Works every time.WIBBLE
Be careful Phil, Wibble in Russian means you stink, have great time mate, you’re a true gooner.
ThanksKen
I was told I would be better taking my own Chef with me bit to be honest I would rather take my chances over there than gamble on the wife’s food.WIBBLE
You’re an early seventies North bank boy, nothing scared us.
Well maybe it’s easy for you because you are white……………..
Daniel-while I refuse to get into any form of racial discussions I do understand your point.They are really Third World in a lot of their views.
Fair play Phil. I’ll look out for you on the tv…. with your ‘Wibble’ banner ?
Ha ha Thanks Sue
If you think Russia is racist, don’t ever go to Asia.
Seriously.
In India, where I lived 3 years, for example, racism is the norm and no one understands what’s wrong with it. Unless it’s against Indians. Then they understand.
since the world cup tie are going to play in russia what do u think will happen