Arsenal have released a statement after ISIS threatened to attack the Emirates Stadium this evening when Mikel Arteta’s team are set to take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The terrorist group have threatened to attack all four stadiums hosting European football this week.
Al Azaim, the media outlet that the Islamic uses to spread its hateful messages, shared a blood-splattered poster earlier this week showing an ISIS fighter in front of a football stadium with a spine-chilling message of ‘Kill them all’.
The message has sparked security concerns around Europe, with Arsenal now releasing a statement to confirm that their clash with Bayern Munich will go ahead. The Gunners’ message read: “We work closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all our matches.
“Our planning for tonight’s fixture is no different and our approach, working together with the Police and UEFA, is proportionate to the current UK threat level.”
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UEFA have also spoken out on the threats from ISIS, insisting that ‘appropriate’ security measured have been in place. The statement 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.”
Speaking to The Express, The Met’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is 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.”
Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu is another of the stadiums under threat, with Spanish authorities said to be ramping up their measured ahead of Los Blancos’ blockbuster match against Manchester City.
