April 10 – This week’s Champions League quarter-final matches were hit by an alleged terror threat which nevertheless didn’t affect them going ahead.
A media outlet linked to Islamic State is said to have issued the threat concerning all four ties yesterday and today.
On Tuesday, Arsenal drew the first leg of their clash with Bayern Munich while Manchester City were held 3-3 in a thrilling encounter at Real Madrid. Two more ties take place tonight: in Paris between Paris St Germain and Barcelona, and again in Madrid between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
British Home Secretary James Cleverly said the government had been “working closely with security and policing partners in response to despicable propaganda related to the Champions League, to ensure secure and enjoyable events for everyone”.
For the match in Paris tonight, France’s interior minister said security had been “considerably reinforced”.
“We have seen, among others, a communication from the Islamic State which is particularly aimed at stadiums.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique added: “Who isn’t worried or concerned by terrorist threats? I hope that it is something that we can control, that will only be a threat and nothing more,”
UEFA said in a statement it was “aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week’s UEFA Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues”.
“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place,”
Meanwhile, Spain’s interior minister said the government and state security forces had taken “all relevant initiatives” to keep everyone safe.
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