Chelsea vs Arsenal: Thousands of empty seats for Baku Europa League Final amid fans’ travel frustrations

Thousands of seats were left empty as the Europa League final between Chelsea and Arsenal kicked off on Wednesday in Baku.

Uefa’s decision to hold the final in the Azerbaijan capital has attracted widespread criticism with supporters’ groups from both sides demanding talks with the governing body following the final to ensure similar decisions are not made in future.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal returned thousands of tickets for the game with fans unwilling or unable to make the lengthy, expensive trips Baku with no direct flights from the capital.

Wednesday’s match kicked off with a strange atmosphere more akin to a friendly match. Around the Olympic Stadium, huge clusters of empty seats were clearly visible.

Standard Sport’s Chief Football Correspondent James Olley noted on Twitter: “Really sad to see thousands of empty seats a few minutes before kick-off. So many Chelsea and Arsenal fans would want to be here.

“The people of Baku have been very welcoming but the choice of venue remains ridiculous. Feels like an end-of-season friendly.”