Arsenal have decided to go ahead with tonight’s game vs Cologne (Picture: PA)

Arsenal have released a statement confirming tonight’s Europa League game will go ahead as it is the safest option possible despite problems controlling Cologne fans at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were made to delay tonight’s kickoff by an hour due to concerns over supporter safety, with huge numbers of Cologne fans entering the Emirates at various locations around the ground.

This has led to the visiting fans being mixed with the home crowd, according to various sources at the game.

Extra police have been called in to deal with the crowds (Picture: Getty)
Fan disruption saw this game delayed by an hour (Picture: AP)
Arsenal had been scheduled to kick off at 8.05pm (Picture: Getty)

Still, Arsenal believe trying to postpone the game now could result in an even worse situation, and explained their decision to continue with proceedings in an official club statement.

Arsenal head of communications Mark Gonnella said: ‘The players were relaxed and preparing for the game despite the delay. We let the fans into the stadium as everything was under control.

‘We were aware about the large numbers of fans coming and try to avoid a situation where they wold be large numbers of supporters without tickets.

‘The decision to go ahead was the best option and the safest option.’

Arsenal will be hoping to put this distraction behind them and get off to a winning start in the Europa League this evening, with Arsene Wenger naming a surprisingly strong side including big names like Alexis Sanchez, Hector Bellerin and Olivier Giroud.

MORE : Arsenal and FC Cologne kick-off delayed as fans ‘try to storm stadium’