Arsenal facing £4.5m payout to fans after Europa League exit?

Arsenal are reportedly facing the prospect of paying back season ticket holders a sum of £4.5m after being knocked out of the Europa League.

The Gunners were heavy favourites to beat Olympiacos in the last 32, but they were eliminated on away goals after losing 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, Youssef El-Arabi scoring a 119th-minute winner.

Fans who buy an Arsenal season ticket are guaranteed seven home fixtures in the various cup competitions that the North London club take part in and, according to The Mirror, if they are not fulfilled, those season ticket holders are entitled to a partial refund.

Mikel Arteta's side had one home tie in the EFL Cup before being eliminated by Liverpool on penalties, with a further four coming in the Europa League.

The North London club, who posted losses of £27.1m for the year ending May 2019, also hosted Leeds United in the FA Cup third round but their subsequent two ties have been drawn away. Should they lose to Portsmouth on Monday night, the Arsenal fans will be entitled to a refund.

Even if Arsenal do triumph on the south coast, they will need a home quarter-final as the remaining rounds of the competition are played at Wembley.