Arsenal have written to UEFA expressing the its "deep concerns" about the situation.
SHARE:
Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play in the Europa League final against Chelsea on 29 May.
The Armenian feared for his safety on the pitch in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Having considered all current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the Europa League final,” said Mkhitaryan.
“It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often and I admit, it hurts a lot to miss it.”
Mkhitaryan has missed club matches played in Azerbaijan in the past due to political tensions between the Asian country and neighbouring Armenia.
Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League this season. The North London club will qualify for next season’s Champions League if they beat Chelsea.
It would be their first European trophy since they won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineArsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play in the Europa League Final
Short HeadlineHenrikh Mkhitaryan will miss Europa League final
StandfirstThe Armenian midfielder, who plays for Arsenal, is worried for his safety on the pitch.
Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play in the Europa League final against Chelsea on 29 May.
The Armenian feared for his safety on the pitch in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Having considered all current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the Europa League final,” said Mkhitaryan.
“It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often and I admit, it hurts a lot to miss it.”
Mkhitaryan has missed club matches played in Azerbaijan in the past due to political tensions between the Asian country and neighbouring Armenia.
Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League this season. The North London club will qualify for next season’s Champions League if they beat Chelsea.
It would be their first European trophy since they won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
