Despite only being given 3,000 tickets for their match with Arsenal at the Emirates, 20,000 Cologne fans arrived in London for their club's first European match for 24 years.
Despite only being given 3,000 tickets for their match with Arsenal at the Emirates, 20,000 Cologne fans arrived in London for their club's first European match for 24 years.
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The influx of that number of Cologne fans presented problems for Arsenal and the police. London's Metropolitan Police said officers had been deployed to "deal with disorder outside the Emirates Stadium. <br />This was due in part to a large number of visiting fans attending the fixture without a ticket.<br />There were also a number of incidents resulting from sporadic disorder inside the ground after away fans gained access to seating assigned to Arsenal supporters."
The influx of that number of Cologne fans presented problems for Arsenal and the police. London's Metropolitan Police said officers had been deployed to "deal with disorder outside the Emirates Stadium.
This was due in part to a large number of visiting fans attending the fixture without a ticket.
There were also a number of incidents resulting from sporadic disorder inside the ground after away fans gained access to seating assigned to Arsenal supporters."
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Cologne fans had marched through Soho before making their way to north London for the match.
Cologne fans had marched through Soho before making their way to north London for the match.
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However, a small minority did cause trouble, leading to five arrests. Three police officers were also injured as a result of the disorder, none of them seriously,
However, a small minority did cause trouble, leading to five arrests. Three police officers were also injured as a result of the disorder, none of them seriously,
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Due to the large number of fans trying to enter the stadium, kickoff was delayed by an hour.
Due to the large number of fans trying to enter the stadium, kickoff was delayed by an hour.
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The view of many on social media was that the Cologne fans had helped create the best atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium in years, given the venue is arguably not always accustomed to a boisterous atmosphere.
The view of many on social media was that the Cologne fans had helped create the best atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium in years, given the venue is arguably not always accustomed to a boisterous atmosphere.
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Despite a large police presence, thousands of Arsenal and Cologne fans mingled amicably throughout the evening.
Despite a large police presence, thousands of Arsenal and Cologne fans mingled amicably throughout the evening.
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"The atmosphere [once the match started] was actually quite positive because the fans inside the stadium were quite enthusiastic and it was quite fun to play in front of two crowds battling each other. It felt good to be part of that," Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said.
"The atmosphere [once the match started] was actually quite positive because the fans inside the stadium were quite enthusiastic and it was quite fun to play in front of two crowds battling each other. It felt good to be part of that," Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said.
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