Arsenal could face Uefa punishment without kicking a ball as weather throws Champions League plans into chaos

ARSENAL could be punished by Uefa after the weather threw their Champions League plans into chaos.

The Gunners face Lens away from home on Tuesday night in their second group stage match.

GettyArsenal could be punished after Mikel Arteta’s press conference was cancelled[/caption]

However, Mikel Arteta’s side risk Uefa’s wrath before they have even kicked a ball.

Arsenal have been forced to cancel their pre-match press conference due to a flight delay.

The squad had been due to fly to France on Monday, with Arteta set to speak to the media at 6pm UK time.

A storm surrounding Luton airport caused their flight to be delayed, though, thus forcing the club to cancel their press conference.

Instead, Arteta and defender William Saliba are expected to carry out their media duties over the phone.

Arsenal risk breaching a similar rule to the one Newcastle broke before their opening match against AC Milan last month.

Weather delays flying to Italy meant Eddie Howe did not speak to the media until 9pm the day before the match.

Uefa rules state that press conference must take place between 12-8pm.

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Arsenal are playing in the Champions League for the first time in six seasons following their second place finish last term.

They made an impressive return to the competition last month, beating PSV 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta’s side also remain one of just two Premier League sides yet to lose this season alongside North London rivals Tottenham.

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