Concerns are growing as Europe goes on red alert following the threat of terrorist attacks at Champions League matches by Islamic State. France, Spain and Britain have all reacted swiftly to tighten security ahead of quarter-final matches in Madrid, Paris and London, with the return leg scheduled for next week.
The first signs of concern emerged during the Arsenal-Bayern Munich and Real Madrid-Manchester City games, while authorities said tight security would be maintained for at least the next 24 hours for the Paris Saint-Germain-Barcelona and Atletico Madrid-Dortmund games.
In France, top officials are stressing their vigilance, while British police confirm they are aware of reports of threats and have a “robust plan” in place. According to the BBC, the relevant security ministries in each country have put in place enhanced measures to ensure that all matches take place safely and to prevent any terrorist attack or loss of life.
France’s interior minister, Gerald Dharmannin, has announced emergency security measures in Paris ahead of tomorrow’s match at the Parc des Princes. The threats came via Islamic State-linked websites warning of terrorist attacks during the games, which are attracting worldwide attention.
“Yes, there will be special protection around the stadium, but that’s not the only place we have to focus on,” Darmanen said, adding that terrorists could strike in unexpected places. He also urged the French people not to panic, pointing out that similar threats have been made in the past.
ISIS threatens terrorist attack
ISIS is threatening to carry out a terrorist attack on the hosts of the Champions League, according to reports published by the Al Azaim Foundation, a media outlet that spreads the messages of the Islamic State (Daesh, ISIS). The published poster shows stadiums such as the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and the Emirates Stadium in London, where the quarter-finals will be played. The Parc des Princes in Paris and the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid are also mentioned as possible targets for the next attack. The recent tragedy at the Crocus in Moscow, claimed by ISIS, left over 140 people dead. This has prompted the West to tighten security at gatherings to counter the risk of terrorist attacks.
