- Arsenal secured a 6-0 win over BATE Borisov in the Europa League on Thursday night
- Emirates was far from full though with a poor turn-out for the game
- Gunners claim the match was sold-out but empty seats tell different story
- READ MORE: Video: Jack Wilshere scores first goal for Arsenal in three years, superb strike from the Englishman
Top spot in Group H in the Europa League may well have already been secured, but Arsenal would surely have hoped for a better turn-out against BATE Borisov.
As seen in the images below from reporter James Olley, the Emirates looked far from packed on Thursday night, with supporters not turning up despite claims from the club that they had sold out.
With nothing to really play for and the game not meaning much, it’s easy to understand why fans didn’t show up, but they certainly missed a treat as the Gunners ran riot in a 6-0 win, and so the disappointment of it being so empty will still be felt.
As per The Sun, 50,000 tickets were sold for the game, but judging on the evidence of last night coupled with emails that were sent out just days before the game reminding supporters tickets were still available, it doesn’t seem as though many fancied braving a cold London night and a less than attractive game itself with many arguably counting the costs ahead of Christmas.
Naturally, Twitter users didn’t miss the opportunity to comment, whether they were of an Arsenal persuasion or not, as it certainly didn’t go down too well with the north London giants undoubtedly hoping for better turn-outs in the knockout stage of the tournament.
With top teams dropping down from the Champions League and with the likes of AC Milan floating around from the group stage, Arsenal could have a pretty complicated path to the final if they take the competition seriously.
Given it’s another path to the Champions League, they’ll be hoping supporters are in attendance to cheer them on to a deep run, although a top four finish in the Premier League will also be the minimum expectation.
Can understand why but Emirates Stadium is looking very sparse as the teams come out here. Know it’s tickets sold etc but actual attendance is going to be very low. pic.twitter.com/Vx2DVBBITz
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) December 7, 2017
Arsenal email sent on December 5
Arsenal fans out in force Ha
— richard graham (@rgraham082) December 7, 2017
All arsenal fans dressed up as red seats! Worser than City. #EuropaLeague #emptyseats #emptyirates
— Hassan_Murad (@HassanMurad786) December 7, 2017
Why the Emirates so empty loool arsenal gotta big stadium for no reason
— Cordell Cockett (@CordellCockett3) December 7, 2017
Let’s show them our love and support for the team! By not going to the game! #AFCvBATE #arsenal
— kharis pohan (@kharis_kun8) December 7, 2017
Watching a bit of the Arsenal Europa League game. Emirates is empty! Is it because of ticket prices, weather warnings or apathy?
— Rita (@mrschalky25) December 7, 2017
Had the Emirates ever been this empty for a supposedly first team match before?
— David Linklater (@david_linklater) December 7, 2017
Damn. Arsenal fans really aint feelin the europa league. Emirates so empty
— 12L0ve (@_AllAboutFootie) December 7, 2017