Reports of a potential terrorist threat from the Islamic State loom over the upcoming Champions League matches involving Arsenal and Manchester City.
On Tuesday, UEFA confirmed the unsettling news, asserting that both matches, scheduled to commence at 8 pm BST, will be conducted under heightened security measures.
The threat extends beyond just the matches in question; it encompasses all four venues hosting this week’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Among them, the Emirates Stadium in London, where Arsenal is set to clash with Bayern Munich, finds itself at the centre of the alleged danger.
Manchester City’s fixture against Real Madrid in Madrid is also under the radar of security concerns.
Responding to the alarming situation, UEFA issued a statement affirming their awareness of the purported terrorist threats and assured fans that all matches would proceed as planned, albeit with robust security protocols in place.
The governing body reiterated its commitment to closely coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved.
In Spain, where Real Madrid is scheduled to play Manchester City, the government has initiated an extensive security operation to counter any potential threats.
With the Spanish authorities deploying over 2,000 National Police agents and Civil Guard officers, along with support from Madrid’s municipal police force, a comprehensive security blanket is being woven around the venue.
This pre-emptive security plan is emblematic of Spain’s broader counter-terrorism measures, reflective of the prevailing threat landscape.
The decision to bolster security comes amidst a backdrop of heightened alert levels, with authorities remaining vigilant against any signs of extremist activity.
As thousands of supporters from England and Germany gear up to descend upon Madrid for the high-stakes quarter-final clash, the local security apparatus remains on high alert.
Meanwhile, in France, similar concerns have prompted a substantial reinforcement of security measures ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s encounter with Barcelona.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, PSG manager Luis Enrique expressed his concerns while echoing hopes for effective control over the perceived threat.
The spectre of terrorism cast a long shadow over the Champions League fixtures, as evidenced by a chilling social media post featuring an armed individual accompanied by the ominous message, “Kill them all.”
The backdrop of these threats is further contextualized by recent atrocities claimed by the Islamic State group, including the deadly Moscow attack earlier in the year and a bomb blast in Iran.
As authorities and football clubs scramble to address the looming threat, the Metropolitan Police, Arsenal, and Manchester City have been reached out to for their respective comments.
