Arsenal’s Champions League opponents Paris Saint-Germain have been caught up in an incredible passport row on the eve of their showdown.
PSG defender Serge Aurier was denied entry to the United Kingdom after being refused a visa due to a recent assault conviction following a row with a police officer outside a Paris nightclub.
Club officials have blasted the British authorities after claiming it was an “incomprehensible situation that attacks the very integrity of the Uefa Champions League.”
Aurier, 23, who has an Ivory Coast passport, was given a two month jail sentence in September but remains free while he appeals the conviction and UK officials insist he cannot allowed in.
The row has disrupted PSG’s preparations for the crucial Group A showdown which will decide which team finishes top.
PSG boss Unai Emery said: “Of course it is disappointing for the player, he wanted to play in the match, but he is quite relaxed and is going to prepare for our upcoming matches.
“Every footballer wants to be involved in a fixture like this but ultimately the decision was not down to us. He is a very important player for us.”
The club statement went even further and said: ”Due to a sudden about-face by the British authorities, Serge Aurier has not been allowed to travel with Unai Emery’s squad for the clash away to Arsenal.
“Paris Saint-Germain is stunned by this incomprehensible situation that attacks the very integrity of the Uefa Champions League.”
European governing body UEFA also backed PSG.
A UEFA statement read: “UEFA supported the PSG in its efforts to acquire a visa for the player but at the last moment the authorities refused it.
“It is regrettable that a player eligible for the competition can not participate in a match for reasons that are not related to football and its rules.”
Aurier’s original application was turned down but was then due to travel on Wednesday – the day of the game – to play until the UK authorities blocked him.
A UK Home Office spokesman said: “We reserve the right to refuse a visa to anyone who is convicted of criminal offences.
“Mr Aurier received a two month custodial sentence in September for assaulting a police officer. The immigration rules clearly state that non-EU nationals who have received a custodial sentence of less than 12 months within the last five years will be refused on criminality grounds.
“All applications are carefully considered on their individual merits, in line with the UK immigration rules and based on evidence provided by the applicant.”
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