The European soccer governing body, UEFA, has reportedly said they are aware of the Islamic threats toward the Champion’s League quarter-finals and has vowed to work closely with local authorities to nullify any potential threats.
An ISIS-affiliated media organization has posted several social media posts calling for attacks at the stadiums holding Champions League quarter-final matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Sky Sports. Arsenal is reportedly set to face Bayern Munich in London at the Emirates Stadium and Real Madrid is scheduled to face Manchester City at the Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, both on Tuesday. Madrid will hold a game between Atletico de Madrid and Dortmund of Germany on Wednesday and Paris will contend with Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, the outlet reported.
European football’s governing body UEFA has said it is aware of a terror threat made regarding this week’s Champions League quarterfinal ties, but said the matches will still go ahead as planned.
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— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 9, 2024
Despite the threat of violence, UEFA has decided to go through with the matches as planned, according to ESPN.
“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 UEFA statement obtained by the outlet said. “All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
ESPN also spoke with the officials in London ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bayern Munich. (RELATED: Soccer Player Left A Bloody Mess After Getting Blasted With A Rock Thrown From The Stands)
“We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London,” London Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan told ESPN in a statement. “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.”
UEFA insists this week’s Champions League quarter-final ties will go ahead as scheduled amid an alleged terror threat
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium will host the first leg of their last-eight
tie against Bayern Munich tonight, while Man City are also in action away to Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/W2gJvevwnM— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 9, 2024
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said law enforcement have increased security in the area of the Parc des Princes in Paris, where PSG will play against Barcelona on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.
“We have seen, among others, a statement from the Islamic State, which is particularly targeting stadiums. It’s not new,” Darmanin reportedly said. “This morning we asked the general director of interior security to communicate the information we have with the other (security) services of the other countries hosting the quarterfinals.”
ISIS-K, an Islamic State branch, claimed to be responsible for the attack on the Crocus Hall concert venue outside Moscow on March 22. 143 people have died as a result, according to Russian authorities, the AP reported. Roughly 80 were reportedly dispatched to hospitals.