UEFA says this week’s Champions League matches are on track to go ahead as planned despite an alleged terror threat made by Islamic State.
The threats, which appear to have come from Islamic State but whose origins are unconfirmed, surfaced as images on social media on Monday evening.
UEFA says it is “aware” of threats and is working with local authorities across Europe. With regards to Arsenal’s game against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, London’s Metropolitan Police says it will have a “robust policing plan in place”.
The threats appear to target the four venues in which this week’s fixtures are taking place. On Tuesday, Real Madrid’s home game against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu comes at the same time as Arsenal’s match against Bayern (8pm BST, 9pm CET). On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain face Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, while Atletico Madrid host Borussia Dortmund at the Metropolitano.
“UEFA is 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,” a statement from European football’s governing body read.
“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu will host one of four UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg ties across Tuesday and Wednesday (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The Met Police’s deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is overseeing the policing of London on Tuesday, said: “The UK terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’ meaning an attack is likely, and we work closely with colleagues from across Counter Terrorism Policing in planning for events here in London, to take into account any relevant information that could help us to keep those attending safe.
“We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London. However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight’s match and we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully.
“As ever, we ask the public to remain vigilant, and if they see any that doesn’t look or feel right, then report it to police or security staff.”
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, France’s minister of the interior and overseas territories, Gerald Darmanin, said: “As far as the match in the Paris region is concerned, the prefect of police, with whom I spoke very early this morning, has considerably reinforced the security resources and the DGSI is particularly hard at work to provide preventive intelligence.”
An Arsenal spokesperson added: “We work closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all our matches. Our planning for tonight’s fixture is no different and our approach, working together with the Police and UEFA, is proportionate to the current UK threat level.”
PSG head coach Luis Enrique was asked about the terror threat at his pre-match press conference earlier on Tuesday, saying: “Well is there anyone unconcerned about that?
“I think everyone is worried about terrorist threats. I hope it can be controlled and I hope it’s just a threat and that nothing will happen. Of course, we are concerned.”
Last month, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall which killed 145 people, per the New York Times. Following that attack, the French ministry of the interior and overseas territories raised its counter-terrorism warning to its highest level.
Arsenal, PSG, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been contacted for further comment.
Additional reporting: Peter Rutzler
(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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