The Champions League quarter finals will go ahead as planned
There is set to be heightened security surrounding the Champions League games that are going ahead tonight.
Arsenal are set to play at home against Bayern Munich, while Manchester City are playing Real Madrid in Spain.
PSG and Barcelona are also set to play in Paris tomorrow, with Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid set to play in Germany.
A new statement issued by UEFA announced increased security around the games after a media outlet linked to IS reportedly made threats to all four of the games set to go ahead this week.
“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,” they said, via Sky News.
“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
The pro-IS outlet called for violent attacks alongside images of Emirates Stadium, as well as Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium and Metropolitano Stadium, and the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid’s stadium roof will be closed, and over 2,000 national police and civil guard agents will be undertaking surveilence.
The French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said they had “considerably reinforced” security in Paris after Islamic State’s “threat”.
“We have seen, among others, a communication from the Islamic State which is particularly aimed at stadiums,” he said.
He continued: “I will remind you that only 10 days ago, IS shared a picture of the Munich stadium and said action should be taken against sports venues that host football games – although all sports can be targeted. Given how important the Champions League is for football, we are of course talking to our partners.”
Related links:
Bayern Munich fans banned from Emirates stadium for Champions League clash with Arsenal
Champions League draw sees Manchester City face Real Madrid
