UCL: Arsenal vs Bayern, Real Madrid vs Man City threatened with terrorist attack

Terrorist Organisation Islamic State have threatened to cause harm at this week's Champions League games (Imago)

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Terrorist Organisation Islamic State have threatened to cause harm at this week's Champions League games (Imago)

UCL: Arsenal vs Bayern, Real Madrid vs Man City threatened with terrorist attack

Seye Omidiora 13:07 - 09.04.2024

Terrorist group Islamic State stated its intention to cause harm at this week’s Champions League venues: The Emirates Stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, Parc des Princes and Civitas Metropolitano.

The four venues hosting the opening leg of the Champions League quarterfinals are under threat from the terrorist organisation Islamic State, per reports in AS

UCL quarterfinals

Arsenal welcome Bayern Munich to the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday night, while Madrid hosts games involving Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. 

The other last-eight tie this week involves Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, with both clubs renewing hostilities.  

Terrorist threats to the UCL quarterfinals 

However, panic has spread after a banner confirming the Al Azaim Foundation's intentions was released on Monday morning.

Terrorist Organisation Islamic State have threatened to cause harm at this week's Champions League games
Terrorist Organisation Islamic State have threatened to attack this week's Champions League games (AS)

This media outlet is in charge of disseminating statements from the Islamic State, often known as Daesh or ISIS. The foundation posted a picture with the caption, "Kill them all," threatening to assault the Emirates Stadium, the Metropolitano, the Santiago Bernabeu, and the Parc des Princes.

The last attack by the Islamic State occurred on March 22 at Moscow's Crocus City Hall, a sizable performance hall. Donning camouflage, a group of men broke into the building, killing 143 people and injuring 200 more. 

How have the Spanish government reacted to terrorist threats? 

About 8,000 Manchester City and Dortmund fans are expected in Madrid this week for fixtures to be played on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to heightened security in the capital. The Madrid government has initiated security measures for this week's Champions League doubleheader in the Spanish metropolis.

The Anti-Violence Commission has deemed both the Real Madrid vs Man City and Atletico vs Dortmund matches to be high risk, meaning that almost 3,000 security personnel will be dispersed between them. 

Fernando Grand-Marlaska, Head of The Ministry of the Interior, said on Tuesday morning: “In terms of preventing the terrorist threat, the State Security Forces and Bodies have activated all their early warning and protection systems, as well as all their response mechanisms ready and willing.” 

Grand-Marlaska subsequently stated that every security measure had been taken to guarantee the players' and spectators' safety within the stadiums.