The parties of the Champions League this week they will be played as scheduled despite a terrorist threat from Islamic State, said on Tuesday UEFA.
A social media post linked to the terrorist group has repeatedly threatened attacks on stadiums hosting quarterfinal matches in Paris, Madrid and London on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The UEFA “is aware of the alleged terrorist threats made against this week’s UEFA Champions League matches and is in close contact with the authorities at the respective venues,” said the governing body. “It is anticipated that all matches will be played as scheduled, with appropriate safety measures in place.”
The capital of Spain receives two games. Real Madrid will be home against Manchester City on Tuesday and Atlético de Madrid will do the same against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
Arsenal faces Bayern Munich in London on Tuesday and Paris Saint-Germain hosts Barcelona a day later.
“I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan for the match (in London) and we will continue to work closely with club security to ensure the match is played peacefully.”said London Police Deputy Commissioner Ade Adelekan.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin indicated that police have considerably reinforced security around the Parc des Princes in Paris.
“We have seen, as others have, the statement from the Islamic State, which particularly targets stadiums. It’s not something new”Darmanin indicated. “This morning we asked the director of national security to transmit all the information we have to the security establishments of the other countries hosting quarterfinal matches.”
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack at the Crocus concert hall outside Moscow on March 22, which left 144 people dead.
The return matches in the Champions League will be next week. PSG defender Danilo said that he and his teammates “We need to focus on football,” but coach Luis Enrique pointed out that the threat is worrying.
“Who isn’t worried about that?” pointed out the Spanish coach. “I hope it can be controlled and that they are just threats. Of course it worries.”
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Source: Gestion
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