The UEFA Champions League quarter-final matches are set to take place this week despite an alleged terror threat. The matches will be held in four different locations, with Arsenal hosting Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in north London on Tuesday evening, and Manchester City playing away to Real Madrid. Madrid will also host Atletico’s game with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, while Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium on the same evening in Paris.
The terror threat was issued by a media outlet linked to ISIS, prompting UEFA to issue a statement saying that they are aware of the alleged terrorist threats and are closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues. However, UEFA has confirmed that all matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.
The Metropolitan Police have also confirmed that they are aware of reports of Champions League matches being targeted this week. Despite this, the terror threat level has not changed from its “substantial” level due to the reports, nor has the policing plan for Arsenal’s game. The Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, overseeing the policing of London on Tuesday, has reassured the public that they have a robust policing plan in place for tonight’s match and that they continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully.
Arsenal has also confirmed that the security strategy for Tuesday night’s game remains as expected, and they work closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all their matches. The French interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, has said that security will be “considerably reinforced” in Paris after the threat, and the Spanish government has taken all necessary precautions to avoid any terror attacks.
In conclusion, the UEFA Champions League quarter-final matches are set to take place this week, despite an alleged terror threat. UEFA and the authorities at the respective venues have taken appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of the players, staff, and supporters. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police or security staff.