Arsenal have been urged by their supporters’ trust to make an official complaint to Uefa over a dispute about ticket allocations for the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST) plans to lodge a complaint after receiving only 2,000 tickets for the second leg in France, 500 fewer than the 5% away allocation Uefa usually guarantees.
PSG obtained special dispensation to reduce the away allocation to 4.1% before the season, citing a request from local police. The AST, backed by Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly and Aston Villa supporter groups, will ask Arsenal to join them in submitting a complaint. “It’s not fair that every club that plays a Champions League game in Paris has less tickets for their supporters,” said AST board member Tim Payton.
Last week, PSG complained to Uefa about their allocation for the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, having had repeated requests for an increase turned down. The French champions received 2,500 tickets for Tuesday’s match, down from 3,000 in the league stage, due to safety concerns partly stemming from broken seats on their previous visit. PSG officials argue the seats were repaired at their expense and that the reduction undermines the spirit of the game.
Arsenal declined to comment, but the decision to reduce PSG’s allocation was guided by the Metropolitan Police and safety advisory groups. Uefa has been contacted for comment.
