Arsenal’s Prem opener vs Nottingham Forest delayed as fans stuck outside ground

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    Arsenal’s Premier League season opener against Nottingham Forest has been delayed until at least 1pm after fans have been left stuck outside the stadium.

    The club confirmed that the match has been pushed back after problems at the turnstiles left fans stranded outside the Emirates.

    Arsenal tweeted: "This afternoon's game with Nottingham Forest will now kick off at 1pm (UK), due to a delay at the turnstiles."

    The Gunners are looking to go one better than their second place finish last season but shortly before the proposed 12:30pm kick-off time, the start has been pushed back.

    READ MORE: England fans get 'Ronaldinho vs Seaman flashbacks' as Lionesses concede howler

    Thousands of fans have been left in long queues with the stadium remaining empty. It’s understood the issues have been caused by problems around the new electronic tickets that Arsenal have rolled out this season.

    The game is the first Premier League fixture to be broadcast on the rebranded TNT Sports and pundit Rio Ferdinand mentioned the impact the delay will have to both Mikel Arteta and Steve Cooper’s sides' preparation.

    Ferdinand said: "The players will need to adjust their preparations now. You have to remain calm, look at your warmup again. Bring yourself back down to normality and then get yourself ready again."

    Arteta named new £100million midfielder Declan Rice in the starting line-up, with debuts also handed to Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz.

    Fellow pundit Joe Cole added on the impact on the debutants, saying: " I think it could be a bit difficult for the new boys coming here, Timber and Kai Havertz etc.

    "The boys that have already been here before might take it easier while the delay could mess with the new players’ heads because they want to get out there and play."

    Arsenal all but saw their title hopes last season ended after defeat at the City Ground in May and the opening day of the brand new season has thrown up the perfect opportunity to avenge last campaign's heartbreak.

    Both teams eventually emerged from the tunnel for the re-scheduled 1pm kick-off in front of an Emirates crowd that was still filling up.

    More to follow.

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    • Premier League
    • Arsenal FC

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