Champions League security threat: Games in England, Spain and France go ahead despite alleged terror plots

9 April 2024, 11:49 | Updated: 10 April 2024, 00:12

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 Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Gunners drew the first leg of their match at the Emirates Stadium 2-2 against Bayern Munich, while Manchester City were held 3-3 in a thrilling encounter 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.

There are two more games on Wednesday - one in Paris, between PSG and Barcelona, and one in Madrid between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

The Metropolitan Police's deputy assistant commissioner, Ade Adelekan, said the force had a "robust policing plan" for Arsenal's game.

In a statement, the Gunners said they were "working closely" with police to keep everyone safe and that their plans were "proportionate to the current UK threat level".

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".

"We will continue to take all steps to keep fans safe," he added.

For the match in Paris later, France's interior minister said security had been "considerably reinforced".

UEFA said in a statement it was "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," the governing body added.

French interior minister Gerald Darmanin has said security will be "considerably reinforced" in Paris.

"We have seen, among others, a communication from the Islamic State which is particularly aimed at stadiums," Mr Darmanin said.

Luis Enrique, the coach of PSG, said at a 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, Spain's interior minister said the government and state security forces had taken "all relevant initiatives" to keep everyone safe.

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.

London's Met Police also said on Tuesday: "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."

(c) Sky News 2024: Champions League security threat: Games in England, Spain and France go ahead despite alleged terror plots