Buses were diverted and police were called to manage the huge crowd ofc ologne fans as they travelled north from Oxford Circus and arrived at Highbury and Islington station before spilling into the road. The Gunners’ first ever Europa League group game, against the Cologne side, is set to begin at 8.05pm.
Transport for London said the A1 had been shut for about an hour in both directions from 3.20pm. Nine bus routes were diverted and disruption is likely to continue even with the roads open.