ARSENAL fans returned to the Emirates for the first time since March for Thursday’s Europa League win over Rapid Vienna.
The London side welcomed back 2,000 supporters who managed to secure tickets thanks to a ‘first come, first served’ system after the national lockdown was lifted on Wednesday.
Arsenal fans returned to the Emirates for the first time since March on ThursdayCredit: AFP or licensors
2,000 supporters were allowed in for the Europa League clash against Rapid ViennaCredit: Reuters
Supporters were in fine spirits as they got to watch their team live in actionCredit: Reuters
And one cheeky fan even managed to sneak in a sign reading ‘Bring Back Mesut Ozil’ in reference to Arsenal’s misfit German playmaker.
Ozil has not played once this term after being axed from both Mikel Arteta’s Europa and Premier League squads.
And supporters have been vocal on social media urging Arteta to bring Ozil in from the cold this winter.
But for the lucky handful present at the 60,0000-seat venue this evening, there were strict measures in place to ensure coronavirus protocols were met.
Fans had their temperatures checked outside the Emirates upon arrival.
And everyone was required to wear a face mask for the duration of the evening.
Recycled plastic bags were also put on seats to make sure social distancing measures were respected, with fans also encouraged not to make contact if celebrating a goal.
Hand sanitisers and signs urging people to keep a safe distance apart were also present.
Lucky supporters got tickets on a ‘first come, first served’ basisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
One cheeky fan sneaked in a sign urging Mikel Arteta to bring back Mesut OzilCredit: BT Sport
SunSport’s Stevie Robinson was in the stands
And stewards applauded fans as they walked through the turnstiles to cheer on their side.
There was even a return for popular mascot Gunnersaurus, who will be played by various staff members following Jerry Quy’s controversial redundancy in October.
Boss Arteta revealed before kick-off that he was delighted to welcome supporters back to the Emirates.
He said: “It is going to be extraordinary to have them back.
“The club has done amazing work to facilitate everybody at short notice to be able to attend the stadium and I am sure it will work really well.
Strict checks were in place for those arriving at the stadium
Fans had their temperatures taken by stewards, with everyone wearing face masksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mascot Gunnersaurus made his return to the touchlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“I am feeling sorry as well for thousands of fans that I am sure would like to make it, but can’t be there.
“We are ready to host as many as we possibly can. It is going to depend on how the pandemic develops and the new measurements when we start to open things up a bit and see how people react to that.
“Hopefully we can do that. Who knows how it’s going to develop? What we can do as a club, we will do to our maximum obviously.”
Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added: “Football is all about you: the fans. We’ve missed you and we are so happy to start welcoming you back.
“To the 2,000 fans at the Emirates tonight, and the millions around the world, thank you so much for your support. Most of us are still apart, but we’re still together.”
⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
Social distancing was in place with only some seats availableCredit: Reuters
Stewards applauded fans as they went through the turnstilesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 60,000-seat arena will be hoping to welcome back even more supporters in the near futureCredit: PA:Press Association
Arteta welcomes fans back saying he is ready to see as many as possibly can return
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
