‘It’s worrying’: PSG boss Luis Enrique on ISIS threats ahead of UCL quarterfinals
PSG boss Luis Enrique is worried about the threats made by ISIS Photograph:( Reuters )
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European football's governing body, UEFA, has said it is aware of the threats but the matches will still go ahead as planned.
European football's governing body, UEFA, has said it is aware of the threats but the matches will still go ahead as planned.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique has expressed concern over the security threats from ISIS to target the UEFA Champions League venues. The quarter-final stage of the continental tournament gets underway on Tuesday (Apr 9) with European giants clashing against each other.
A media channel named 'The Al Azaim Foundation', responsible for spreading messages of the terror group, has threatened the attacks.
"Who in this room isn't worried? And who, in these cities - or in these countries, be they targeted or not - isn't preoccupied by this? I do hope it's something that can be kept under control and that they are simply threats and nothing disastrous will happen. Clearly, it's worrying," said Enrique.
European football's governing body, UEFA, has said it is aware of the threats but the matches will still go ahead as planned.
"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," the governing body was quoted as saying by ESPN.
"All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place."
Threat level raised
On Tuesday, Arsenal host Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in London and Real Madrid square up against defending champions Manchester City at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, PSG face Barcelona at the Parc des Princes in Paris and Atletico Madrid host Borussia Dortmund at the 75,000-seater Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
According to reports, more than 3,000 members of security have been assigned to the fixtures in Spain while the Met in the UK has started monitoring those with any connection to ISIS.
"We're aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London," said Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan.
After the midweek matches, the eight teams will play the reverse fixtures next week, starting April 16 - meaning the threat factor keep security agencies on their toes.
Notably, ISIS recently claimed responsibility for the arrack on a Moscow concert hall that killed at least 143 people.
(With inputs from agencies)
