Most players who sought protection in Australia return to team as diaspora groups warn of possible intimidation, writes Eileen NG and Rod McGuirk
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Europa League draw evokes strong memories
LAYTH YOUSIF reminisces reporting on Sporting Lisbon as Arsenal prepare to face them once again
Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus Rex (left) and Sporting Lisbon mascot Jubas
IT WAS 2.36am in Lisbon old town. Too early to sleep. Too late to go to bed.
“What time do you close?” I asked a genial barman, vivid blue tiles, known as azulejos, formed the backdrop behind him. “When you stop drinking” came the reply, with a smile.
Although it was late October, the majority of revellers were in short sleeves, gathered convivially around outside tables balanced on cobblestones.
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