Jen Beattie labels Arsenal’s European fixture relocation “disappointing”

Uefa granted Arsenal special dispensation to play their European tie at the 4,500-capacity Meadow Park, which does not currently meet Uefa requirements. Former Gunners defender Jen Beattie described Arsenal’s need to move their Women’s Champions League match from Emirates Stadium due to a fixture clash with the men’s side as “disappointing” but something that was “bound to happen” eventually. The team’s significant game against Bayern Munich is now scheduled for 18 December at Meadow Park in Borehamwood. The inability to reschedule Mikel Arteta’s side’s EFL Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, set for the same date, stems from the Eagles’ televised Premier League matches on both the preceding Sunday and the subsequent Saturday. During an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast, Beattie commented: “There’s no doubt it’s disappointing but I knew there was always going to be a calendar clash at some point. “We would maybe a bit naive to think there was never going to be. Champions League fixtures don’t get put in until quite last minute. “It is disappointing, the fans will be gutted, especially the ones that bought tickets to go to that game. It will change the atmosphere but it’s not going to change the game. It’ll just change the experience and the spectacle of it.” Beattie indicated that the club, which had previously committed to hosting all the team’s European fixtures at its primary stadium, should examine the circumstances of this event and develop solutions for the future. She added: “I honestly believe it’s a one-off. I don’t think it’s really anyone’s fault. It might feel like going backwards a bit but it’s short term.” Beattie further stated: “It’s not a bad solution going back to Borehamwood, it’s been there home for so many years. They are comfortable there.”