ARSENAL fans received free fur hats as they arrived to watch their side take on CSKA Moscow in the Europa League.
The travelling supporters received the gift as part of the Russian federation’s “Gentlefan” campaign.
Young players from the CSKA academy presented the Gunners fans with the traditional hats as they entered the VEB Arena.
Each hat has “Russian Warm Welcome” and “Gentlefan” inscribed in bright red letters.
The campaign has been been designed to combat the image problems associated with hooligans in Russian football.
Many Arsenal supporters were hesitant to travel to the second leg quarter-final tie due to fears over crowd problems.
But the Russians eased tensions by declaring that there would be a huge Police presence to minimise the chances of trouble.
A CSKA spokesman said: “We want the Arsenal fans to feel welcome.”
ALEKS WHO? Who is Aleksandr Golovin? CSKA Moscow midfielder currently on Arsenal’s radar
All vehicles entering the streets around the stadium were reportedly searched and checked with metal detectors.
And this is not the first time that the Russian club has gone out of their way to make visiting clubs feel welcome.
Most Read in Sport
Manchester United fans all received a Russian raincoat before their match, and Liverpool fans were given a free t-shirt.
The Gunners fans arrived in high spirits after their side thumped the Russian Premier League side 4-1 in the first leg at the Emirates.
Leave a comment