The Champions League quarter-finals will go ahead as scheduled this week despite an alleged terror threat, UEFA says.
A media outlet linked to IS allegedly issued a threat concerning all four of this week’s ties.
Two English football clubs, Arsenal and Manchester City, are playing tonight in the European competition’s quarter-finals.
The Gunners will host the first leg of their last-eight tie at the Emirates Stadium against German giants Bayern Munich.
While Manchester City are in action away to Real Madrid where local reports said the roof was going to be closed for the game.
Tomorrow, there are two further games, one in Paris, between PSG and Barcelona, and a second game in Madrid, between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
For the clash in the French capital, the country’s interior minister said that security had been “considerably reinforced”.
In a statement UEFA, Europe’s club football governing body, said: “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.
“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
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French interior minister Gerald Darmanin has said that security will be “considerably reinforced” in Paris after a “threat” by the Islamic State group.
“We have seen, among others, a communication from the Islamic State which is particularly aimed at stadiums,” Mr Darmanin said.
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Manchester City fans in Madrid ahead of their tie tonight. Pic: Reuters
Meanwhile, in Spain, a government minister said they had taken all necessary precautions to avoid any terror attacks.
Over the two Madrid games, there will be more than 2,000 agents from the national police and civil guard taking part in a surveillance operation of the city, along with municipal police, Spanish media reports.
Deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan, overseeing the policing of London today, said that the force have a “robust policing plan” in place for Arsenal’s game tonight.
They added: “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.”
Luis Enrique, the coach of PSG who play Barcelona on Wednesday evening, said at a team 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.”
Arsenal and Man City have been contacted for comment.
