Arsenal warned about Moscow away day
With diplomatic tension rife between the British government and the Kremlin following a spy-poisoning scandal, Arsenal fans have been warned about a potentially perilous Europa League away day.
After comfortably, and controversially, seeing off AC Milan in the last-16, the Europa League draw paired Arsenal with CSKA Moscow in the quarter-finals.
The Gunners will travel to the Russian capital on 12th April for the second-leg of the tie. However, they'll have to have their wits about them.
In a statement to fans intending to go on a mid-week city break to Moscow, the club said: "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; you’re advised to remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments."
In response, CSKA told 'Sky Sports': "We are happy to play Arsenal and don’t see any danger for English fans that would like to come to Moscow."
It goes without saying that CSKA wasn't the ideal draw for Wenger's side. With increasing tension between Britain and Russia, security fears stretch beyond club level onto an international scale with plans for a World Cup boycott already underway.