Arsenal and Rennes were today waiting to learn whether they would face a Uefa charge after their fans let off flares during Thursday’s Europa League tie.
As well as the pyrotechnics, supporters in the Rennes end also launched missiles at Arsenal players — which appeared to be rolled up pieces of card that had been used for a pre-match display — before set-pieces or during other breaks in play.
One spectator also entered the pitch after Ismaila Sarr scored the final goal to seal Rennes’ 3-1 victory in the last 16, first-leg clash.
Meanwhile, Sokratis Papastathopoulos today became the latest player to question UEFA’s VAR policy after a bruising week for the technology.
Paris St Germain star Neymar launched a social media tirade that concluded with “Go f*** yourselves!” after Manchester United were awarded a controversial late penalty which saw the French champions eliminated from the Champions League.
Roma president James Pallotta also complained about the system as his team were knocked out by Porto — and Arsenal defender Sokratis (right) believes he would have been spared a red card last night had VAR been in place.
VAR will be used only for the final of the Europa League and Sokratis told Standard Sport: “With VAR [I wouldn’t have been sent off]. I don’t criticise the referee but maybe if the VAR is coming, it can help. Sometimes it is better if they put in VAR and this helps the referee more.”
