admin
LONDON. – Arsene Wenger hopes political tension between the UK and Russia will not affect Arsenal’s Europa League tie with CSKA Moscow, but admits “nobody knows really what is going on”.
The quarter-final clash follows the poisoning of Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with a nerve agent in Salisbury in February.
It also comes amid calls led by Boris Johnson for England to boycott the 2018 World Cup finals, which will be held in the country in the summer.
Wenger was speaking to the press yesterday ahead of the Gunners playing host to the Moscow-based outfit tonight.
When asked about the situation, he replied: “Honestly, nobody knows really what is going on.
‘‘It looks more to be about diplomatic relations between UK and Russia. I just hope it will not affect both ties.”
Arsenal released a statement to the supporters on the club’s official website ahead of the away leg, which will take place on April 12.
It read: “Supporters planning to go to CSKA Moscow should be aware of the following travel advice from the Foreign Office.
“Due to heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-British sentiment or harassment at this time.”
Meanwhile, Wenger says Arsenal have “recovered from crisis” having won their last four games. – The Mirror
Online Reporter