Days after Arsenal footballer Henrikh Mkhitaryan refused to travel to Baku for the Europa League final between Arsenal and Chelsea, fans sporting his shirt were stopped by the Baku police. A short video clip showing the Baku police approaching two fans, who were wearing an Arsenal jersey with Mkhitaryan’s name on the back, and halting them from entering the stadium arena started doing the rounds on social media. Arsenal and Chelsea Ready for Europa League Battle in Distant Baku.

Mkhitaryan, who captains the Armenia national team, refused to travel to Azerbaijan for the Europa League final on May 30 citing fears for his safety. This was despite the UEFA and the Azerbaijani FC guarantying his safety in the country. But now the video of Gunners supporters being stopped by the Baku police for wearing Mkhitaryan’s shirt have emerged.

Henry Mkhitaryan Had Tweeted The Following Words: 

The video captured by SNTV (Somali National Television) created a stir on Twitter, with many mocking both UEFA and Azerbaijan for the incident. In the video, a police officer approaches two fans sporting Mkhitaryan’s shirt and asks them to stop. The cop then waits for further instruction before eventually letting the fans go.

Check Out a Video of the Incident:

Another Fan Was Asked to Remove the Flag:

UEFA's Safety Assurances Fake?

Can UEFA Guarantee Jersey Safety?

UEFA was heavily criticised for hosting the finale of a European competition in such a small city and in one which is torn by war with its neighbouring country. Many European clubs, including Arsenal and its players, came heavy of the Association for its failure to react and shift the final to a safer country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2019 03:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).