ISIS threatened to target the four Champions League quarter-final matches this week, including Arsenal’s home match against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will face the German champions in the first leg of the quarter-final this evening in north London. But security will now raise concerns after the Al Azaim Foundation, Islamic State’s mouthpiece, released a chilling poster with the message “Kill them all” next to the names of the four stadiums hosting the matches.
This has led to increased security measures in the Spanish capital, where two of the games will take place. Real Madrid take on Manchester City this evening, with Atletico Madrid hosting Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
The threat comes less than three weeks after Islamic State launched an attack on Moscow’s Crocus City concert hall on March 22, where armed attackers stormed the venue and opened fire on the crowd. This horrific incident resulted in the deaths of 143 people and around 200 injuries.
Just a week later, ISIS-affiliated media outlet Sarh al-Khilafah published an image inciting an attack on Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena during Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund . Fortunately, the match went off without incident thanks to increased security measures around the stadium.
In a statement, UEFA said: “UEFA is aware of the alleged terrorist threats made against this week’s UEFA Champions League matches and is liaising closely with the authorities at the respective venues.
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“All matches are expected to go ahead as planned, with appropriate safety measures in place.”
Spanish police have stepped up security ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Manchester City. The Spanish authorities stated that “as part of the prevention of the terrorist threat, the State Security Forces and Bodies have activated all their alert and protection systems, as well as all their response mechanisms, ready and arranged.”
More than 2,000 National Police and Civil Guard agents will be deployed to monitor Madrid over the next 24 hours. It is not yet clear whether the Metropolitan Police will increase security around the Emirates Stadium.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner Ade Adelekan, today overseeing London Police, said in a statement: “The level of terrorist threat in the UK remains ‘substantial’, meaning an attack is likely, and we work closely with our counter-terrorism police colleagues to plan events. here in London, to take into account any relevant information that could help us ensure the safety of those present.
“We are aware of reports online and in the media regarding calls to target matches across Europe and here in London. However, I would like to reassure the public that we have a plan in place strong police force for tonight’s match and that we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure the match goes smoothly.
“As always, we ask the public to remain vigilant, and if they see anything that does not seem right, report it to the police or security personnel.”
