ISIS threatens terrorist attack on Champions League match Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

ISIS is threatening to attack all four Champions League quarter-finals this week, including Arsenal’s home game against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal face the German champions in the first leg of their quarter-final in north London tonight, but security concerns have arisen after the Al Azaim Foundation, a mouthpiece of IS, issued a chilling poster with the message “Kill them all” next to the names of all four stadiums hosting the matches.

This has led to increased security measures in the Spanish capital, where two of the matches are taking place. Real Madrid face Manchester City tonight and Atletico Madrid host Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

The threat comes less than three weeks after the Islamic State attack on Moscow’s Crocus City concert hall on March 22, when armed assailants stormed the venue and opened fire on the crowd. The horrific incident left 143 people dead and around 200 injured.

Just a week later, IS-affiliated media outlet Sarh al-Khilafah published an image calling for an attack on Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena during the Bundesliga match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. Fortunately, the match passed without incident as increased security measures were in place around the stadium.

A UEFA statement said: “UEFA is aware of the suspected terrorist threats against this week’s UEFA Champions League matches and is in close contact with the authorities at the respective host cities.”

READ MORE: Arsenal’s full Bayern Munich squad announced, Saka nightmare avoided and one missing

READ MORE: Harry Kane quiet, Bukayo Saka shines – Arsenal dream scenario against Bayern Munich

“All games are to take place as planned, with appropriate safety precautions in place.”

The Spanish police have tightened security measures ahead of the clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The Spanish authorities stated that “the state security forces and bodies have activated all their early warning and protection systems, as well as all their response mechanisms, and are ready and willing to prevent the terrorist threat.”

More than 2,000 agents from the National Police and the Guardia Civil will be deployed to monitor Madrid over the next 24 hours. It is not yet clear whether the Metropolitan Police will increase security measures around the Emirates Stadium.

Deputy Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is now in charge of policing in London, said in a statement: “The terror threat level in the UK remains ‘significant’, meaning an attack is likely. When planning events here in London, we work closely with colleagues across counter-terrorism policing to consider any relevant information that could help us ensure the safety of participants.”

“We are aware of online and media reports of calls for restrictions on matches across Europe and here in London. However, I would like to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for today’s match and we continue to work closely with the club’s security team to ensure the match is peaceful.”

“As always, we ask the public to remain vigilant and if they notice anything that doesn’t look or feel right, to report it to police or security personnel.”