Arsenal fan group forced to refund over £12,000 after club rejects giant Tifo plan ahead of PSG clash
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Arsenal supporters’ ambitious plans for a massive Money Heist-themed tifo display ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain have collapsed after the club declined to approve three proposed designs, triggering £12,000 in refunded donations.
The Ashburton Army, a prominent supporters’ group based in the Clock End, had envisioned their largest-ever display for Arsenal’s first Champions League semi-final in 15 years.
The rejected concepts included two La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)-inspired designs rebranded as La Casa de Mikel, featuring Arteta alongside stars Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Declan Rice.
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Chessboard motifs referencing Real Madrid’s recent tifo, with one version reading “One by one, they fall”. A simpler “Welcome to N5” banner showcasing Arsenal’s key quartet behind Arteta
The group successfully executed a Thierry Henry tribute tifo before Arsenal quarter-final victory over Real Madrid but faced unexpected hurdles this time.
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While the Metro reports Arsenal’s decision stemmed from logistical timing issues rather than outright rejection, the Ashburton Army expressed disappointment in a public statement.
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“In 24 hours, fans raised over £10,000 for what would have been our biggest display. Unfortunately, the club declined our design… Everyone will be fully refunded. This doesn’t change the game’s importance – we still need unparalleled support.”
Despite the setback, Emirates Stadium is expected to deliver a thunderous welcome for PSG. Previous European nights this season featured pyrotechnic displays with red smoke engulfing the tunnel; coordinated seat displays using red/white carrier bags and record-breaking decibel levels during the Real Madrid victory
Arteta has repeatedly emphasised the crowd’s role, calling the quarter-final atmosphere “something I haven’t seen before here… we created a magic night.”
It’s the second meeting between Arsenal and PSG this season, with the Gunners emerging as 2-0 victors in the league phase on home soil in October.
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