Arsenal have avoided a UEFA charge after a flare was lit in the away end following Alex Iwobi’s opening goal in the 3-1 Europa League last-16 first-leg defeat to Rennes last week. However, the French side have been hit with three separate charges following the match at Roazhon Park, including the setting off of fireworks. Rennes have also been charged with a field invasion by supporters and the blocking of stairways, according to Uefa’s latest disciplinary update released on Monday evening. European football’s governing body also confirmed that Ajaxwould face two charges entitled ‘throwing of objects’ and ‘acts of damages’ following their memorable 4-1 Champions League last-16 second-leg victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 5.The cases will be dealt with by the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 28 March. Rennes travel to north London on Thursday for the second leg against Arsenal, looking to protect their two-goal advantage secured against the 10-man Gunners through Benjamin Bourigeaud, Ismaila Sarr and an own goal from Nacho Monreal.
Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed that Arsenal are ready to return to Uefa Champions League. Sunday’s victory over Manchester United boosted Unai Emery side’s top-four chances as they climbed to fourth in the English top-flight standings with 60 points from 30 games.View image on Twitter
Arsenal escape UEFA charge for setting off a flare in Rennes last week. Three charges for Rennes though.346:40 PM – Mar 11, 201915 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy
With a point behind third-placed Tottenham Hotspur, the Gabon international believes the Gunners can still achieve their target for the season. “We know that it will be tough but we want to do something. We want to get back into the Champions League. We are really hungry,” Aubameyang was quoted by the Independent.
“When you see it on the TV and you hear the music it is something special. So yes, we have to carry on winning games to be in the top four. Yeah, I think we have to [qualify for the Champions League]. That’s the goal since the beginning of the season. Yeah, we know that we have two ways to do it and the Premier League is the first and most important way and then we have the Europa League. But we have to turn that game around on Thursday.”
After converting from the penalty spot to seal his team’s 2-0 win over the Red Devils, Aubameyang revealed that he had planned a special celebration with his mask. “I actually had a special celebration planned for this game tonight, but I could not find my mask! But no worries. We are happy because the most important thing is the three points. And it is a really, really good feeling,” he continued.
“[The mask] was in the back of the net but I couldn’t find it after I scored. I said something to the staff to put the mask there but I couldn’t find it. So next time.”
The 29-year-old who has notched 20 goals across all competitions this term will be looking to help Arsenal overturn their 3-1 loss to Rennes in the return fixture of their Uefa Europa League at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.