A pitch invader interrupted Arsenal's win over Qarabag late in the Europa League clash at the Emirates.

Visiting players were clearly furious by the pitch invader and the flag he was holding – due to its political significance.

The flag was of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has been central to conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

It prevented Henrikh Mkhitaryan from travelling to Baku earlier this season when the Gunners played Qarabag in Azerbaijan.

Mkhitaryan was left at home due to the tensions between his native Armenia and Azerbaijan, even though special exceptions have been made for Armenian athletes to visit the country.

The pitch invader interrupted proceedings late in the match (Image: Getty Images)

Some Qarabag players were clearly angered (Image: REUTERS)

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When the draw for the Europa League was made, Arsenal said: "Safety and security of all our players and staff is always a top priority."

The pitch invader also appeared to point to the Arsenal bench, where Mkhitaryan was sitting. The former Manchester United man was an unused substitute.

An Alexandre Lacazette strike extended the Gunners' unbeaten run to 22 games in front of a sparse Emirates crowd.

He was eventually escorted away by stewards (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Unai Emery's side would have topped their group regardless of the result, but Lacazette's early goal ensured they claimed their fifth win in Europe this term.

Arsenal will discover their last-32 opponents in Monday's draw.

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