Premier League matches under ARMED GUARD? Security boost after Dortmund explosion
SECURITY at this weekend’s Premier League matches will be at an all-time high following the Dortmund bus explosion, after it was revealed Manchester United will be escorted by snipers for their clash with Anderlecht.
Dortmund stadium surrounded as police fear ANOTHER bomb
Experts say security will be extremely tight following the triple bomb blast on a bus carrying Borussia Dortmund players on Tuesday evening.
A letter left at the scene of Tuesday’s crime scene, which is now be examining for authenticity, warned “crusader” sports idols could now on a death list.
And experts have since warned team coaches could now be a “prime target” for an attack.
Police will be forced to up security this weekend
Three explosions caused considerable damage to the Dortmund team bus
A Premier League source told the Mirror: “Security is the responsibility of each individual club and obviously it is difficult to give overall guidance on 20 different journeys.
“Clubs will be speaking to each other and individual police forces across the country about security on bus journeys to and from the grounds.
“It will be higher than ever for the first games after the attack this weekend.”
Football fixtures across Europe have seen a heavy police presence
There is a full programme of Premier League and Football League matches over the Easter bank holiday, including Championship games tomorrow.
And all 20 Premier League clubs are now being given fresh advice on making sure the transport they use is safe - even making changes to their regular routes if security officials deem it too risky.
The move comes as Manchester United prepare to take on Anderlecht tomorrow in their Europa League tie in Brussels, Belgium.
Security will be at a record high at all games this weekend
Manchester United are away to Anderlecht this weekend
Security is the responsibility of each individual club and obviously it is difficult to give overall guidance on 20 different journeys.
Armed police are due to shadow the team bus, supported by snipers and helicopters, in the major operation to protect the Red Devils ahead of their their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Asked about security concerns, Jose Mourinho said: “There is solidarity with what happened. We have to trust the people working for our security.”
Security expert Will Geddes claimed the bus attack is likely to have a bigger impact on football than when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan eight years ago.
Bomb explosion reported near Dortmund's team bus
Mr Geddes, who runs the International Corporate Protection agency, said: “This was an attack on football carried out in the heart of Europe.
"That is not to say cricket hasn’t got its followers - it’s also massive, but football is at a whole new level - and will send alarm bells ringing throughout the English game and leagues around the world.”
Police claim the players from the German club cheated death after three bombs, packed with sharp metal pins, were fired from the roadside - with one spike found embedded in a bus seat headrest.
Clubs are being warned to check club coaches
Clubs may even have to change their usual route to games
Marc Bartra, 26, was injured by glass and shrapnel in the attack, but no other players were injured.
One suspect, a 28-year-old believed to have Islamist links, has been arrested.
A second also being sought has fled.