UEFA were branded an “absolute disgrace” by football fans and former players today after Arsenal confirmed winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling to Baku for the Europa League final.

Once the Premier League side confirmed their participation in next week’s game, it was likely that the Armenian would be unable to play due to the ongoing political dispute between his home country and Azerbaijan.

Despite European football’s governing body’s feeble attempts to ensure the player would be safe while the club were in Baku, the player ultimately decided that it wasn’t worth the risk.

The confirmation was met with outrage on social media, with the Arsenal Supporters Trust Twitter account saying Uefa should be “ashamed” of themselves and calling the outcome “disgraceful.”

Gunners legend Ian Wright said on social media: “Absolute disgrace from Uefa. How is this allowed to happen?! It’s all lip service!!! You don’t actually care about the fans or the players!!”

There was plenty of discussion on social media about a possible boycott from not only Arsenal but their opponents Chelsea.

However, no-one from the club mentioned the possibility and manager Unai Emery spoke during a press conference only to say he didn’t understand the political problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia but that he “must respect” Mkhitaryan’s decision.

A club statement read: “We are very disappointed to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with the squad for our Uefa Europa League final against Chelsea.

“We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party.

“We have written to Uefa expressing our deep concerns about this situation. Micki has been a key player in our run to the final so this is a big loss for us from a team perspective.

“We’re also very sad that a player will miss out on a major European final in circumstances such as this, as it is something that comes along very rarely in a footballer’s career. Micki will continue to be part of our preparations until we depart for Baku at the weekend.”

Mkhitaryan said he was “hurt” to miss the final, posting a picture on social media of himself lifting the trophy after winning it with Manchester United in 2017.

“Having considered all the current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the #UEL Final against #Chelsea,” he wrote on Twitter. 

“It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often for us players and I must admit, it hurts me a lot to miss it. I will be cheering my teammates on! Let’s bring it home @Arsenal.”

Uefa responded by doubling down on their claims that had he travelled, Mkhitaryan would have been safe.

“Working alongside Arsenal FC, Uefa sought and received assurances regarding the player’s safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities in the country.

“As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed and given to the club.

“While the club acknowledges the efforts that Uefa and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player.”