Premier League security beefed up as fears grow of an IS 'death list'
Letter found next to Borussia Dortmund attack site reportedly claimed terror group is targeting top sports stars
Security will be high at sporting events over Easter following the bomb attack on the Borussia Dortmund coach this week and claims of an Islamic State "death list" threatening many sports stars.
"All 20 Premier League clubs will now be given fresh advice on making sure the transport they use is safe - including possibly changes to the regular routes they take to games," reports the Daily Mirror.
"The move comes as Manchester United prepare to take on Anderlecht in their Europa League tie in the powder-keg city of Brussels - scene of the 2016 airport terror atrocity that left 32 innocent people dead and more than 300 injured."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
United will have "unprecedented protection", says The Sun. "Armed police will shadow Manchester United's team bus on Brussels streets — supported by snipers and helicopters."
All bags and backpacks will be banned from the stadium and fans without tickets have been urged to stay away from the ground, reports the Daily Mail.
Security will also be heightened at this weekend's Premier League matches, with extra checks expected at grounds. The £1.4m security operation in Cardiff for the Champions League final in June has already been tightened in the wake of the Dortmund attack and vehicle access to the city will be severely restricted.
"With the Boston marathon looming on Monday - four years after it was the deadly target of Chechen-American brothers - and sprawling events such as the Tour de France and next year's World Cup in Russia to follow, security authorities everywhere are taking a new look at protecting athletes and spectators," reports AFP.
It adds that sports events have been a target for terror attacks in the past, with suicide bombers targeting the Stade du France during the Paris attacks in 2015.
Borussia Dortmund came under attack on Tuesday as they travelled to their Champions League match against Monaco. Defender Marc Bartra was hit by glass and suffered a broken wrist after three bombs were detonated on the roadside.
Security expert Will Geddes told the Mirror: "An attack on a multinational German club team on their way to a game comes as a real surprise and really does show nowhere is completely safe for players, fans or staff.
"This includes training grounds, hotels and even the routes players take to a match now."
Some of the biggest names in sport now fear they could become IS targets, reports the Daily Star.
"It follows the discovery of two letters following the Dortmund bus attack... One warned of an Islamic State 'death list' targeting the biggest names in sport 'in Germany and other crusader nations'," says the paper.
"The likes of England footballer Wayne Rooney, tennis ace Andy Murray, Formula 1 king Lewis Hamilton and golf hero Rory McIlroy are upping security."
The letter, published in German newspaper Bild, carried threats against "infidel actors, singers, athletes and all prominent personalities".
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
A history of Guantánamo Bay
The Explainer War of Terror's 'symbol of torture, rendition and indefinite detention' is subject of new Serial podcast series
By The Week UK Published
-
5 fun Easter activities from The Week Junior
The Week Junior Easter Activities Looking for some fun, simple Easter activities to do with the kids? Look no further – The Week Junior has you covered with these five fun and family-friendly activities.
By The Week UK Published
-
A Taste of Honey: 'wonderful' revival remains 'vital and relevant'
The Week Recommends The 'period-perfect' production features a 'universally excellent cast'
By The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Champions League final: Man City vs. Inter predictions and preview
feature Can Guardiola’s team finally win the Champions League and complete a historic treble?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published