“Early warning systems” in Spain
Authorities react to terror threat before CL games
April 9, 2024, 5:06 p.m
There are possible terrorist threats before the quarter-finals of the Champions League: France and Spain are increasing security. In London, where FC Bayern plays against Arsenal in the evening, people are deliberately keeping a low profile. UEFA emphasizes that the games will take place as planned.
In view of the threat of terrorism, Spain and France have ramped up security systems ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals in Madrid and Paris. “In order to prevent the terrorist threat, the state security forces have activated all their early warning and protection systems as well as their defense mechanisms,” said the Interior Ministry in Madrid. In the evening, Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg at the Bernabeu Stadium (9 p.m./DAZN and in the ntv.de live ticker) at. Borussia Dortmund plays against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday (9 p.m./DAZN and in the ntv.de live ticker) at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The government and state security forces have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of participants and visitors to the two sporting events as well as Spanish citizens as a whole, the ministry further emphasized. 2,000 police officers and other security personnel would ensure that the two games were held safely. The ministry did not specifically mention possible assassination threats from Islamist groups, but Spanish media spoke of possible threats from jihadists.
Meanwhile, France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that security measures in Paris would be “significantly strengthened” following a “threat” from Islamic State for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, French news agency AFP reported. Paris Saint-Germain hosts FC Barcelona on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes in Paris (9 p.m./DAZN and in the live ticker at ntv.de). The highest terror alert level already applies in France.
The London police showed up before Bundesliga record champions Bayern Munich’s game at Arsenal FC this Tuesday evening (9 p.m./Amazon Prime and in the live ticker at ntv.de) demonstratively reserved. “The terrorism threat level in the UK remains at ‘significant’, meaning an attack is likely,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan. Major events are being prepared together with the anti-terror police anyway. Media reports about terrorist threats are known. “However, I would like to reassure the public that we have a robust operational plan in place for tonight’s game and continue to work closely with the club’s security team to ensure the game is peaceful.”
The European Football Union UEFA, meanwhile, stressed that this week’s Champions League quarter-finals will go ahead as planned despite a terror threat, British news agency PA reported. “UEFA is aware of alleged terrorist threats against this week’s UEFA Champions League matches and is in close contact with the authorities at the respective venues,” it said in a statement. “All games will take place as planned with appropriate safety precautions.”