Champions League quarter-final games have gone ahead despite an alleged terror threat.
A media outlet linked to IS allegedly issued a threat concerning all four of this week’s quarter-final ties, which include matches involving two English football clubs, Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Gunners drew the first leg of their last-eight tie at the Emirates Stadium 2-2 against German giants Bayern Munich and Manchester City were held 3-3 in a thrilling encounter away at Real Madrid.
Harry Kane, former captain of Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham, returned to once again haunt the Gunners with a goal from the penalty spot, while City twice surrendered a lead in the Spanish capital.
Off the pitch, There was no noticeable change to security plans at either stadium ahead of kick-off, with Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris reporting there was “nothing substantially different” in north London.
Tomorrow, there are two further games – one in Paris, between PSG and Barcelona, and a second game in Madrid, between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Police outside the Emirates Stadium. Pic: PA
Police escorting Real Madrid players to the stadium. Pic: AP
The Metropolitan Police’s deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is overseeing the policing of London today, said the force had a “robust policing plan” in place for Arsenal’s game tonight.
In a statement, Arsenal said they were “working closely” with the Met Police to keep everyone safe during tonight’s match.
They added: “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.”
A spokesperson for the club’s German opponents said: “FC Bayern is in close contact with Arsenal FC, which as a host is in direct contact with the local police”.
Security ‘considerably reinforced’
Home Secretary James Cleverly said the government was “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.”
Police on horseback outside the Emirates Stadium. Pic: PA
He added: “We will continue to take all steps to keep fans safe.”
For the clash in the French capital, the country’s interior minister said that security had been “considerably reinforced”.
UEFA, Europe’s club football governing body, said in a statement: “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.
“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
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French interior minister Gerald Darmanin has said that security will be “considerably reinforced” in Paris after a “threat” by the Islamic State group.
“We have seen, among others, a communication from the Islamic State which is particularly aimed at stadiums,” Mr Darmanin said.
Manchester City fans in Madrid ahead of their tie tonight. Pic: Reuters
Luis Enrique, the coach of PSG, said at a team press conference: “I hope it can be controlled and I hope it’s just a threat and that nothing will happen. Of course we are concerned.”
PSG player Danilo added: “Security is always important, not just for us as the players, but for everyone, for everyone who loves sport and this game.
“I do think that’s important, but we do have to focus on what we need to do, playing football. There are other people who need to focus on everyone’s safety and security.”
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Meanwhile, in Spain, a government minister said they had taken all necessary precautions to avoid any terror attacks.
Over the two Madrid games, there will be more than 2,000 officers from the national police and civil guard deployed, along with municipal police.
Police officers inside the Bernabeu during the match. Pic: Reuters
Police in Madrid ahead of the match. Pic: Reuters
The country’s interior minister added that the Spanish government and state security forces had taken “all relevant initiatives” to keep everyone at the two games, and within Madrid, safe.
In a release today, London’s Met Police added: “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.”
Man City have been contacted for comment.
