Arsenal players’ plans to show support for Henrikh Mkhitaryan during the Europa League final have been blocked by strict UEFA rules.
The squad had spoken about how they could show support for their Armenian team-mate, who feels he is not able to travel to Azerbaijan for security reasons.
Wearing shirts with Mkhitaryan’s name on the back for the warm-up was discussed.
But UEFA insiders have confirmed any such moves are prohibited by strict rules.
The kit the players wear during the game — as well as any potential post-match winners’ T-shirts — are subject to approval by European football’s governing body, too.
Staff at Arsenal are wary of making a statement about Mkhitaryan in Baku, where there are long-standing political tensions with Armenia.
They do not want to invite hostility, so it appears the final will pass without a tribute to the 30-year-old, who will be watching at home.
Award winning journalist and writer who has worked as a stringer for a couple of acclaimed South Africa based German journalists, covered 3 Ugandan elections, 2008 Kenya election crisis, with interests in business and sports reporting.
