The Metropolitan Police have confirmed four people have been arrested following disturbances at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's Europa League clash against Cologne was delayed by an hour due to the trouble outside the ground prior to kick-off.

A statement from the Met read: "Officers responded to reports of disorder at the Emirates Stadium earlier this evening where fans gathered for the Arsenal vs FC Koln match.

"A policing plan is in place for the game and additional officers were deployed.

Police contain Cologne fans (
Image:
REUTERS)
Cologne fans light a flair inside the Emirates (
Image:
AFP)
Thousands of away fans were in home sections (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

"Arrests at 2141hrs = four people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences."

Around 20,000 German supporters descended on north London for the match, despite the allocation being just under 3,000 tickets.

Riot police in the Emirates (
Image:
AFP)
Cops with dogs at the ground (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

Police and stewards struggled to contain fans as the gates were shut, before they were eventually allowed inside the ground.

Thousands of away supporters obtained tickets for home sections, as exemplified when Cologne took the lead early in the first half.