The Islamic State (ISIS) has issued a threat targeting all four UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final matches this week, raising security concerns across Europe.
The threat, disseminated through ISIS mouthpiece Al-Azaim Foundation, displayed a poster with the message “Kill them all” next to the names of the four stadiums hosting the matches, reports AFP.
This comes on the heels of a deadly ISIS attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Concert Hall just three weeks ago, which claimed 143 lives
Increased Security Measures in Place
Authorities in the affected cities have responded swiftly. Spanish police have significantly bolstered security measures for tonight’s Real Madrid vs. Manchester City match and Wednesday’s Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund game. Over 2,000 National Police and Civil Guard agents will be deployed for surveillance in Madrid alone.
UCL matches to go on despite ISIS threat
UEFA, the governing body of European football, has acknowledged the threats and confirmed all matches will proceed as planned with “appropriate security arrangements in place.” The extent of additional security measures around London’s Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal takes on Bayern Munich tonight, remains unclear.
In a statement, UEFA said: 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.
“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”
Champions League Preview: Arsenal vs Bayern
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has identified two Arsenal players his side must be wary of as both sides set to clash in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter final tie.
Tuchel highlighted Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka as two influential figures in the Arsenal team.
“We know our own strengths and how we want to cause them pain. The Champions League is a competition where we have more experience over the last few years,” he said.
“There is a different type of football and that has an influence. We definitely want to use it to our advantage.”
“Odegaard is one of the key players. We know very well how he wants to start their attacks and the connections between him and Bukayo Saka,” he said.
“I hope that we find the right solutions and the players will find the key to make life difficult for him.”
Bayern have won 5-1 in each of their last three matches against Arsenal, eliminating them from the Champions League four times in the last 19 years.
The Bavarians have won the Champions League six times — most recently in 2020 — while Arsenal are chasing their first triumph in the tournament.
