Arsenal have put themselves at risk of a significant punishment from UEFA over their upcoming Champions League semi-final against PSG, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that UEFA will hold talks with the Gunners about the ticket allocation they have given their opponents for their home leg of the tie.

Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday (23 April) meaning Liverpool now need just one point from their last five games to win the Premier League title.

As a result, the Champions League now looks set to be the last hope of silverware for Mikel Arteta‘s side this season.

After Arsenal claimed a stunning win over defending champions Real Madrid in the quarter finals, they are now set to face French champions PSG in the semi finals.

However, there already appears to be a controversy developing that the Gunners will have to deal with the lead up to that tie.

Keith Hackett has reacted to an Arsenal ticketing controversy

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Arsenal ticket controversy emerges ahead of PSG tie

On Tuesday (29 April), Arteta’s side will host PSG at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of that semi final tie.

According to reports from L’Equipe, the French side are unhappy they have been allocated just 2,500 away fan tickets for that game.

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That allocation equates to around 4% of the capacity of the Emirates Stadium, although UEFA guidelines state away fans should be allocated tickets equivalent to 5% of the capacity of a stadium.

It is suggested PSG have held talks with UEFA about securing those extra tickets, and Hackett believes that could put pressure on Arsenal, and even lead to them being punished this late in the day.

Arsenal have fallen away from the Premier League title race (Credit Getty Images)

‘UEFA to take allocation issue seriously’ – Keith Hackett

After being asked by Football Insider if the Gunners could be in trouble with the authorities over this situation, the former referee said:

“UEFA do like to see their regulations adhered to and I guess behind the scenes they will be in communication with Arsenal.

“It is likely that Arsenal will have substantial reasons behind their decision the possibility of security and segregation issues.

“Often UEFA also insist on closing off a number of seats in the first few rows close to the field of play. This reduces the stadium capacity.

“Frankly it’s a little bit late in the days leading up to the game to have this dispute. UEFA will be treating this matter very seriously.

Arsenal are exposed to a substantial fine if they do not comply to the regulations.”

The return leg in Paris is set to take place on Wednesday 7 May at the Parc des Princes, where this situation could provide an interesting subplot with the away tickets allocated to Arsenal for that game.