'F****** booked my tickets!' Arsenal fans fume as UEFA switch home and away legs for Rennes tie due to little-known 'city-clash' rule

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Arsenal fans were left counting the cost of a little-known UEFA rule after the Europa League draw on Thursday.

The first and second legs of Arsenal's last-16 tie with Rennes were switched due to UEFA's 'city-clash' rule.

Chelsea, who also made it through to the last-16, were drawn to face Dynamo Kiev at the same time as Arsenal were due to play Rennes in London.

So the Gunners, who were picked out first ahead of the French club and were initially set to play the first leg of the tie at the Emirates Stadium, have agreed with Rennes to flip the tie.

This caught out some supporters who attempted to book travel to France immediately after seeing the draw. 

Fans frustration was compounded by the fact that Arsenal and Chelsea both played their last-32 ties at home in London on the same day, albeit at different kick-off times 

Unsurprisingly, they were unhappy about being left out of pocket - with some demanding refunds after purchasing flights or train tickets.

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UEFA published the dates for the last-16 well in advance of the draw, allowing fans to do some quick arithmetic and work out when they would need to travel to Brittany.   

However, Article 21.03 of UEFA's Europa League regulations reads: 'If more than one club from the same city, or within a radius of 50km (31 miles) of each other, is taking part in any of the UEFA club competitions and/or plays in the same stadium, and if the association and the clubs concerned explicitly declare when entering the clubs that their matches cannot be played on the same day or on consecutive days, the UEFA administration may alter or confirm dates and kickoff times in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee.' 

A similar rule also applies in the Champions League.  

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Arsenal fans were caught out by the switch as some booked tickets before the dates changed

The first leg of Arsenal's tie will now take place on Thursday, March 7, with kick-off at 5.55pm UK time at Roazhon Park, while the return leg at the Emirates is on Thursday, March 14 and will kick-off at 8pm.  

Some Arsenal fans also pointed out the logistical nightmare the switch will mean for the first team.

The draw is sandwiched between two crucial fixtures; away to north London rivals Tottenham on March 2 and at home to Manchester United on March 10.

Arsenal will now have to travel to France between those two Premier League showdowns, which could have a bearing on their attempts to make the top four.

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