24/05/2019 11:00
Fans Make Petition To Boycott The Europe League Final In Baku
Following the news that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be part of Arsenal's travelling squad for the Europa League final, fans are starting petition's to boycott the event in Baku, Azerbaijan, sportbible.com writes.
It is understood that the 30-year-old 'feared for his safety' on the pitch.
Mkhitaryan has since voiced his disappointment at the situation, saying his omission "hurts a lot".
A number of fans have since taken a stand against the decision to choose Baku's Olympic Stadium as next Wednesday's venue, demanding that the final be moved to a more suitable location.
One petition made by Ruth Kabau said:
"The Europa League Final is set to take place Wednesday 29 May 2019, in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
"Arsenal will go head to head with Chelsea. This has forced Arsenal to exclude key Armenian player, Henrikh Mkhitaryan from the squad set to travel at the weekend. Armenia and Azerbaijan have a century-long conflict stemming from the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917, which has caused concern for Mkhitaryan's safety.
"As a global body, UEFA should have considered this before setting a venue, and furthermore, after it became apparent that a club with an Armenian player would contend for the League Cup.
"It is unfair to the player and the club who have worked hard to qualify."