An Arsenal supporter’s petition to have the Europa League final against Chelsea moved from Baku to Wembley has reached 13,000 signatures.
Gunners forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan chose to stay at home over fear for his safety because of the long-running conflict between his homeland Armenia and host country Azerbaijan.
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Mkhitaryan will NOT play in the final due to Armenia and Azerbaijan’s century-long conflict
Fans of both sides were already angry the May 29 final – a game you can listen to live on talkSPORT – is being played in a nation almost 3,000 miles away and that they would only be given an allocation of 6,000 tickets each.
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The petition, which has amassed over 13,000 signatures so far, was set up by an Arsenal fan and has called on both Gunners and Chelsea supporters to sign.
It reads: “In addition to the numerous & unprecedented logistical issues that have precluded a majority of fans from both Arsenal & Chelsea from attending the Europa League Final, Uefa’s decision to host the match in Baku, Azerbaijan, is one that has forced Arsenal’s Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan to be left out of the North London side’s squad, for fear of bodily harm stemming from Armenia and Azerbaijan‘s century-long violent conflict.
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“This decision by UEFA is one that unabashedly prioritises profit over the sanctity of the beautiful game and the safety of its players; and while recognisably unrealistic, this petition calls for UEFA to recognise the nefarious effects of their decision, and sanction of move of the final from Baku to London’s Wembley Stadium.
“By signing this petition, you will be taking a stand in solidarity with the fans of Arsenal and Chelsea, Mkhitaryan, and the game of football itself.
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Over 13,000 people have now signed the petition
The hashtag ‘BoycottBaku’ has been used a number of times since Arsenal announced that Mkhitaryan would not be travelling to the game.
Arsenal are now set to meet European football’s governing body with the club’s managing director Vinai Venkatesham calling the situation ‘unacceptable’.
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There have even been calls to relocate the final to Wembley Stadium
He said: “I struggle to find words for how strongly I feel.
“We don’t feel he can travel and it’s extraordinarily sad. You don’t get a chance to play in major European finals often and Miki has had it taken away from him.
“We made our point clearly to Uefa – we have written to them. We will also sit down with them face to face after the final and express how it is unacceptable and how it can never happen again to Arsenal or anyone.”
Chelsea and Arsenal are set to contest the Europa League final - but only a fraction of tonight's stadium will be fans of the Premier League giants.. The final is being held at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan, a 6,000-mile round trip from London.
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Uefa explain measly ticket allocation for
preview.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/chelsea-vs-arsenal-uefa-europa-league-final-date-baku-tickets-a8908796.html
Uefa insist they have only allocated 6,000 tickets each to Chelsea and Arsenal for the Europa League final due to "recent experience".. The Blues secured their place in Baku on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt, while the Gunners dispatched Valencia with far more ease, running out 7-3 winners on aggregate.
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Arsenal fan petition to move Europa League final and boycott Baku reaches 13,000… double amount of supporters who will be at match the Europa League final moved from Baku to Wembley has
Chelsea head off to Baku for UEFA Europa League final against
An Arsenal supporter's petition to have the Europa League final against Chelsea moved from Baku to Wembley has reached 13,000 signatures. Gunners forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan chose to stay at home
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Petition to have UEFA move Europa League
Furious Arsenal fans have started a petition to get their Europa League final against Chelsea moved back from Baku to Wembley. Gunners forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan chose to stay at home over fear for his safety because of the long-running conflict between his homeland Armenia and Azerbaijan.
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BAK OUT Armenian Mkhitaryan will not travel to Azerbaijan with the Arsenal squad due to fears over his safety and these fans believe drastic action is needed Furious Arsenal fans have started a petition to get their Europa League final against Chelsea moved back from Baku to Wembley.
~ Chelsea vs Arsenal: Gooners start petition to get Europa
Arsenal could name several academy stars on the bench for their Europa League final against Chelsea on Wednesday. New UEFA regulations mean both clubs will be able to name 12 substitutes for the Baku showpiece, as opposed to seven in the earlier stages of the tournament.
Petition for Arsenal & Chelsea fans to 'Boycott Baku' gathers pace as call made for final switch. A petition calling for the UEFA Europa League final to be switched from Baku to Wembley has almost 15,000 signatures
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Gooners start petition to get Europa
Chelsea are on their way to Baku for Wednesday's UEFA Europa League final showdown with London rivals Arsenal. The Blues trained one final time at their Cobham base before their flight.
Petition for Arsenal & Chelsea fans to 'Boycott Baku' gathers
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Petition to have UEFA move Europa League
An Arsenal supporter's petition to have the Europa League final against Chelsea moved from Baku to Wembley has reached 13,000 signatures. Gunners forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan chose to stay at home over fear for his safety because of the long-running conflict between his homeland Armenia and host country Azerbaijan.
Arsenal fan petition to move Europa League final and boycott
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