Paris St. Germain fullback Serge Aurier "was stopped from entering the United Kingdom and will miss Wednesday's Champions League match against Arsenal," according to the BBC.
The 23-year-old Ivory Coast int'l "was given a two-month suspended prison sentence in September for assaulting a police officer." PSG said that U.K. authorities "granted Aurier a visa in October but revoked it" on Nov. 16, citing his conviction. PSG also said that they "deplore the fact" U.K. authorities only made the decision final on Tuesday -- after they "had spent six days trying to find a solution so the player could travel to London" (BBC, 11/22). REUTERS' Ian Chadband reported PSG was left "stunned" by the decision. The club said, "Due to a sudden about-face by the British authorities, Serge Aurier has not been allowed to travel with Unai Emery's squad for the clash away to Arsenal. Paris Saint-Germain is stunned by this incomprehensible situation that attacks the very integrity of the UEFA Champions League" (REUTERS, 11/22). The IRISH TIMES reported Aurier has "appealed against the judgment," his French club said, declaring that on such a basis "he should be presumed innocent."
PSG also said that it has the support of UEFA. PSG added, "The club has argued several times that since the player has launched a legal appeal against the criminal ruling, he is therefore entitled to the presumption of innocence, as any other person exercising their right to appeal. Paris Saint-Germain strongly regrets that the presumption of innocence has not influenced Britain’s decision" (IRISH TIMES, 11/22).
