Champions League ties set to go ahead with Uefa ‘aware of alleged terrorist threats’ from Isis

This week’s Champions League matches are set to take place as planned, with governing body Uefa issuing a statement on Tuesday to insist they are “aware” of threats allegedly being made in the build-up to the four fixtures regarding potential terrorist action.

Arsenal host Bayern Munich on Tuesday night and Manchester City head to Real Madrid on the same evening, with Borussia Dortmund playing at Atletico Madrid and Barcelona travelling to face Paris Saint-Germain a day later.

Images circulating online had suggested that all four stadiums would be targeted across the two nights, with their origins unconfirmed but linked to the established terrorist organisation Isis.

“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,” a statement from Uefa read after being contacted by The Independent. “All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”

Spanish media have widely reported Madrid authorities escalating their security arrangements to include “response systems”, involving 2000 police agents and civil guards, following a meeting in the city with relevant decision-makers.

Ministers in France have similarly confirmed security measures will be enhanced for the PSG fixture at the Parc des Princes. That stadium, along with the Allianz Arena and the Santiago Bernabeu were featured in the imagery among the call for violence on the digital posters.

So too was the Emirates Stadium in north London which is set to play host to one of the Tuesday fixtures; both Arsenal and the Met Police have were also approached for comment, with the latter responding they would have a “robust policing plan in place” for the game.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, overseeing the policing of London today, said:

“The UK terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’ meaning an attack is likely, and we work closely with colleagues from across Counter Terrorism Policing in planning for events here in London, to take into account any relevant information that could help us to keep those attending safe.

“We're aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London. However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight's match and we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully.

“As ever, we ask the public to remain vigilant, and if they see any that doesn’t look or feel right, then report it to police or security staff.”

This latest potential threat comes just days after fellow north London club Tottenham had roads closed outside their stadium due to a police murder investigation following a person’s death.

Isis recently claimed responsibility for an attack on a Moscow concert hall, where 133 people were killed when automatic weapons were used.