Uefa open disciplinary proceedings against Arsenal and Cologne after crowd trouble at Emirates

Arsenal versus FC Cologne
The match was delayed by an hour because of problems Credit: Action Plus

Arsenal and Cologne have been charged by Uefa over the violence and chaos which engulfed their opening Europa League group game.

European football’s governing body confirmed disciplinary proceedings had been opened against both clubs, with most of the blame for the events around a game that kicked off more than an hour late being placed on the German side.

Cologne were charged with crowd disturbances, setting of fireworks, throwing objects and acts of damage.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were only charged with the blocking of stairways in an away supporter section.

Uefa said the case would be dealt with on Thursday by its control, ethics and disciplinary body.

Met Police confirmed five arrests were made last night. Arsenal issued a statement on Friday morning saying they have "launched a full review" of the events.

The statement read: "We worked in full consultation with police and UEFA officials on the night and in advance of the game and had taken extensive steps in advance to prevent tickets being sold to visiting supporters. 

"This included a number of measures including ensuring no tickets were sold via general sale and that no red memberships purchased after the draw were able to be used to get tickets in the home end for this match. We also worked with our colleagues at Cologne to stop supporters travelling without match tickets.

General view of police and FC Koln fans outside the stadium
The visitors were issued with 3,000 tickets, but around 20,000 Cologne fans are thought to have been in London Credit: REUTERS/David Klein

"The 3,000 tickets issued to Cologne fans was in line with competition rules but it is clear many more visiting fans arrived, causing significant congestion and disturbance outside the stadium before kick-off. Many tickets were sold through touts and this is very disappointing.

"We have launched a full review into the circumstances surrounding the game and will ensure any lessons that can be learned are used in the future."

Arsenal released a statement on Friday afternoon saying:

"We have had further time to reflect on Thursday night’s match and we are now undertaking a full review to assess the events which occurred inside and outside our stadium.

General view of FC Koln fans during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Arsenal FC and 1. FC Koeln at Emirates Stadium
Cologne fans at last night's match Credit:  Getty Images Europe

"The safety of everyone in and around Emirates Stadium is always our paramount consideration. We have a sophisticated control room at the stadium, in which our matchday security team work closely with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Service and the London Ambulance Service.

"We are satisfied that the joint decision to delay the match by one hour and play with a 9.05pm kick off was the best and safest option. This was the first time in 20 years of European competition we have had to take such an action. Ultimately the match passed off safely.

"Unfortunately there were clearly many Cologne supporters in Arsenal sections of the stadium. They obtained their tickets illegally most likely via ticket touts. We continue to work hard to try to eradicate ticket touts and would urge all supporters not to sell or buy tickets from touts. Any tickets found that have been sold or purchased illegally will be traced back to the original purchaser who will have their membership cancelled and the appropriate action taken.

"On a specific point, we can confirm that no new Arsenal members who joined after the Uefa Europa League draw were eligible to purchase tickets for the match on Thursday night through our box office or ticket exchange service."

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