Arsenal fans are being encouraged to head to the ground early to greet the team bus
Arsenal fan group REDaction Gunners have confirmed a special fan demonstration will take place ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid.
The supporters group have been in consultation with the club and the local authorities to welcome the team to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the crunch tie.
Ahead of the demonstration, they’ve warned supporters not to bring flares after a 13-year-old was reportedly injured before the Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
They’ve also advised fans that any anti-social behaviour will be punished and warned fans not to throw objects at the visitors’ bus on arrival.
The Champions League semi-final is finely poised with the score level at 1-1 heading into the return leg next week, though Arsenal will be aggrieved they aren’t ahead after being denied a late penalty in Madrid.
The build-up to the game in Spain was marred by disorder outside the stadium, with Spanish police filmed clashing with supporters, with footage circulating on social media suggesting rubber bullets and tear gas had been deployed.
The trouble broke out as the Atletico Madrid team bus arrived at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where flares, smoke and chanting cast a red haze around the ground.
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Now, Arsenal fans are hoping to create their own special atmosphere ahead of the game, welcoming the players to the ground.
Usually, the team bus arrival passes relatively unnoticed, with the narrow streets surrounding The Emirates contrasting sharply with the expansive open areas around The Metropolitano.
It is only when the coach enters the stadium’s lower levels, and the players disembark, that they are met by a small number of supporters, often on an experience package to greet them with encouragement into the venue.
Fans are being urged to welcome the team coach between 17:45 and 18:30 in the Hornsey Road, Bear roundabout, Benwell Road, in front of The Armoury, in an attempt to intimidate their Spanish rivals and inspire the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta has frequently collaborated with the club to attempt to enhance the atmosphere inside the Emirates and Tuesday’s game could be the most significant game in 20-years at the stadium.
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