Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-09 16:16:25
Security measures will be strengthened at Champions League quarter-final matches on Tuesday and Wednesday following threats made by a communication outlet linked to the Islamic State group against stadiums.
UEFA confirmed that all four games scheduled in Paris, Madrid, and London will proceed as planned despite the terrorist threat. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that security will be significantly enhanced for the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, in response to the explicit threat made by the Islamic State group. This decision came after discussions with the police, who have already intensified security measures, as mentioned by the minister.
PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed his hope that the situation can be managed properly and that the threats turn out to be unsubstantiated. A source close to the issue revealed that IS has targeted the Champions League quarter-finals, though not specifically in France, through one of its communication channels.
Meanwhile, two matches are set to take place in Madrid this week, with Real Madrid facing Manchester City on Tuesday and Atletico Madrid playing against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Spanish authorities stated that over 2,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure the safety of the events. The government’s delegate for Madrid, Francisco Martin Aguirre, emphasized the exceptional security measures that have been put in place in response to the level of alert issued by intelligence services.
In London, where Arsenal will meet Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the threats made by the Islamic State group. However, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan reassured the public that a robust policing plan is in effect for the match, working closely with the club’s security team to ensure a peaceful event.
UEFA released a statement confirming that all matches will proceed as planned, with appropriate security arrangements implemented in response to the alleged terrorist threats. The organization is in close contact with the authorities at the respective venues to coordinate security measures.
The IS-affiliated communication outlet posted images of the Emirates Stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, Metropolitano stadiums in Madrid, and the Parc des Princes in Paris along with their calls for violent attacks. This comes at a time when many European countries are on high alert due to the recent terrorist activity claimed by Islamic State, including an attack on a concert venue in Moscow that resulted in the tragic loss of over 140 lives.
