Elite anti-terror unit ‘in place’ for PSG vs Barcelona after ISIS threat meeting – Footymercato.com

French authorities have reportedly called in an elite counter-terrorism unit for the Champions League meeting between PSG and Barcelona following threats made by ISIS.

Reports suggest that the Parc des Princes will see heightened security, with police officers from the BRI, Research and Intervention Brigade, in the ‘immediate vicinity’ of the ground. The BRI is a unit of the French National Police that specialises in serious criminal cases, including armed robbery and kidnappings, and attempts to catch perpetrators in the act. They also have the power to set up special response teams for terrorist threats or attacks.

On Monday, ISIS announced a threat against the four stadiums hosting quarter-final matches this week, including Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu. The Al Azaim Foundation, the outlet responsible for spreading ISIS messages, published a poster with the message ‘Kill them all’ alongside the names of all four grounds.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said security measures would be “considerably reinforced” when PSG play Barcelona in France’s capital. He said: “Given how important the Champions League is for football, we are of course talking to our partners.”

With games to be held in Madrid on consecutive days, Spanish authorities put in place 2,000 agents from the National Police and the Civil Guard. They said that “in terms of preventing the terrorist threat, the State Security Forces and Bodies have activated all their early warning and protection systems, as well as all their response mechanisms ready and willing.”

Ahead of Arsenal’s match with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan looked to reassure the public. Adelekan that planning for such events included a robust police presence.

In a statement, he 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.”

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