Arsenal to face Russian side CSKA Moscow in Europa League amid spy tension
Arsenal have been drawn against Russian side CSKA Moscow in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
It comes at a time of heightened tensions between Britain and Russia over the use of a nerve agent to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said it is "overwhelmingly likely" that President Putin approved the attack, but Russia strenuously denies any involvement.
The first leg of the match will be held at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on 5 April, with the second leg in Moscow on 12 April.
:: Live updates: Salisbury spy poisoning
Arsenal have encouraged any fans planning to attend the away game to follow advice from the Foreign Office (FCO).
A statement on the club's website quoted the latest travel advice from the FCO, which says: "Due to heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-British sentiment or harassment at this time; you're advised to remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.
"While the British Embassy in Moscow is not aware of any increased difficulties for British people travelling in Russia at this time, you should follow the security and political situation closely and keep up to date with this travel advice."
A leading fan group has promised to work closely with the club in the lead up to what Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association chair Lois Langton said was a "hot potato" of a draw.
"AISA will work with the club to help ensure the safety of those supporters who do plan to travel to Moscow," she said.
"It's a hot potato of a draw in view of the political stand-off between the UK and Russia at present although no doubt it will inject some hype and tension into this season's Europa League.
"It probably isn't going to be the destination of choice for many supporters and the Foreign Office travel advice will need to be listened to."
CSKA, meanwhile, have moved to calm any concerns about the game in Russia's capital.
"We are happy to play Arsenal and don't see any danger for English fans that would like to come to Moscow, we have already played against Manchester United this season in Moscow and everything went well," a club spokesman told Sky Sports News.
The last meeting in London between the teams was attended by Andrei Lugovoi, the man suspected of murdering another former spy, Alexander Litvinenko, in 2006.
An inquiry into the polonium poisoning concluded that Mr Lugovoi had met Mr Litvinenko at the Millennium Hotel, along with fellow suspect Dmitri Kovtun, and hours later went to the game.
Traces of the radioactive substance were discovered at the team's north London stadium.
Earlier, Liverpool and Manchester City were drawn against each another in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The mouthwatering clash between the Premier League rivals means there is guaranteed to be an English side in the last four of Europe's premier club competition.
Champions League quarter-final draw in full:
:: Barcelona v Roma
:: Sevilla v Bayern Munich
:: Juventus v Real Madrid
:: Liverpool v Manchester City
Europa League quarter-final draw in full:
:: RB Leipzig v Marseille
:: Arsenal v CSKA Moscow
:: Atletico Madrid v Sporting Lisbon
:: Lazio v Red Bull Salzburg
