 Mkhitaryan's absence from UEL final raised in House of Commons May 24, 2019 - 11:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - It is a scandal that Arsenal's Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss the match of a lifetime next week because he is from Armenia and he fears for his safety at the Europa League final in Baku, British lawmaker Tom Watson told a discussion at the House of Commons on Thursday, May 23. The 30-year-old will not travel with the squad to Baku over security concerns due to the tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny and managing director Vinai Venkatesham slammed UEFA for hosting the final in Baku. "It's also a scandal that Arsenal fans with Armenian names are being denied visas to Azerbaijan. It shows a deeply ugly side to the beautiful game and is completely unacceptable," the lawmaker from UK's Labour Party said. "UEFA’s inclusion and diversity policy says: "Everyone has the right to enjoy football, no matter who you are, where you are from or how you play." Countries that force players to choose between their sport and their safety, and discriminate against travelling fans, must not be allowed to host future events."   Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent.   Partner news |  Latest news Protesters rally as Georgia debates 'foreign agent' bill  Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent.Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia. |
