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Football

22nd Nov 2016

Paris Saint-Germain’s Serge Aurier denied entry to the UK ahead of Arsenal clash

The Home Office have refused to let him into the country

Simon Lloyd

As per usual, Arsenal have made it to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Their 3-2 win away at Ludogorets in their last European outing was enough to confirm this, meaning Arsene Wenger’s men can focus on sealing top spot in the group when Paris Saint-Germain come to town on Wednesday night.

Arsenal drew 1-1 away at PSG in their opening Champions League fixture back in September and know that beating them at The Emirates will all but seal top spot for them in their group and, theoretically at least, a more favourable draw in the knock out stages.

Paris Saint-Germain v FC Basel 1893 - UEFA Champions League

With the French champions arriving in London earlier, it’s now emerged that they will be without Serge Aurier for the match after the full-back was refused entry into the UK.

The 23-year-old Ivorian was denied a visa to enter the UK having been found guilty of elbowing a police officer in an incident which took place in the French capital last May. As a result, Aurier was sentenced to two months in prison, but is still a free man pending an appeal.

PSG confirmed the news on Tuesday, explaining that the Home Office had gone back on their original decision to grant him a visa. Adding that they had the support of Uefa on the matter, the statement also criticised the UK government’s decision not to inform them of the decision until the day prior to the match.

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