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Arsenal fined over pitch invasion and late kick-off in UEL home clash vs Qarabag

  /  autty

UEFA has fined Arsenal 15,000 euros (£13,000) for a late kick-off and a pitch invasion in the Europa League group-stage game at home to Qarabag on December 13, European football's governing body has announced.

The Premier League side won the match 1-0 to complete a straightforward 4-0 aggregate win over the side from Azerbaijan.

Alexandre Lacazette scored the only goal on 16 minutes in front of a crowd of 58,101.

A solitary pitch invader interrupted the match at the Emirates carrying the flag of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has been central to conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, while live reports of what was a low-key and otherwise forgettable game suggest it kicked off at least a minute late.

The north London side has since progressed to the competition's last 16, but must overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit when they host Rennes next week if they are to go any further.

Alex Iwobi gave the Gunners the lead on three minutes before Benjamin Bourigeaud equalised three before half-time, moments after Sokratis was shown a red card.

Nach Monreal scored an own goal on 65 minutes before Ismaila Sarr compounded Arsenal's misery with two minutes left.

Related: Qarabag FKArsenal