Paris Saint-Germain vented their anger against Britain’s Home Office on Tuesday after Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier was banned from entering the UK.
PSG arrived in London for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash against Arsenal without their right back after he was refused a visa.
Aurier was convicted of elbowing a police officer in September and sentenced to two months in prison, but as yet he is still a free man pending an appeal due to be heard at the end of the season.
PSG said in a statement that the Home Office had originally granted him a visa, only for officials to change their minds last week.
‘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,’ read a statement. ‘Paris Saint-Germain is stunned by this incomprehensible situation that attacks the very integrity of the Champions League.’
PSG were first informed of the matter six days ago, prompting an unsuccessful appeal.
Officials from the French club arrived in London for further talks with British authorities but were again told Aurier would not be allowed in.
Officials from the French club arrived in London for further talks with British authorities but were again told Aurier would not be allowed in.
The defender did not travel but was on stand-by if there was a change of heart.
PSG chiefs were backed in their protest by UEFA. A statement from European football’s governing body read: ‘UEFA supported 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 for reasons that are not related to football.’
‘It is regrettable that a player eligible for the competition can not participate for reasons that are not related to football.’
Source: Mail Sport
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