Champions League final to have ‘biggest security presence’ after Manchester terror attack
POLICE have launched a huge security operation for tonight's Champions League final in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.
The Champions League final in Cardiff will see a huge security presence after the Manchester bombing
Security has been ramped up to keep the 200,000 people visiting the Welsh capital, with the final coming less than two weeks after the Manchester Arena bombing that claimed 22 lives.
Safety measures include more than 2,000 police offers, 600 armed, a ring of steel and facial recognition technology.
The Principality Stadium roof will also be closed when Juventus take on Real Madrid to protect from a potential drone strike.
Saturday will be the first Premier League final to be played under a closed roof.
Fan zones have been sectioned off with barriers and visitors will not allowed to be bring bags.
The final comes less than two weeks after the terror attack at the Manchester Arena
The eyes of the world will be on us
Streets surrounding the stadium will be closed off for anyone without a match ticket.
The terror threat level was raised from severe to critical in the wake of the tragic events at the Ariana Grande concert last Monday, when Salman Abedi targeted young music fans.
May: UK terror threat level reduced from 'critical' to 'severe'
The roof of the Principality Stadium will be closed to protect from a potential drone strike
It has since been downgraded to severe.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis, who will oversee the operation on Saturday, made clear that the security measures were not in response to the Manchester terror attack.
Lewis told Sportsmail: “Since Cardiff was chosen there have been strikes on Paris and Berlin so there was already a real focus on safety.
“The eyes of the world will be on us and with no Olympics or World Cup, this is the biggest sporting security operation of the year.’
Fan zones have been sectioned off with barriers and bags will not be allowed in the stadium
Although there will be a big security presence, Lewis asked for fans not to feel intimidated.
He said: “Come here, take a selfie and enjoy yourself.”
Most of the major roads in Cardiff city centre closed at midnight and will not reopen until Sunday and people have been warned not to drive into the city.
Drivers have also been banned from all roads around the National Stadium of Wales, Callaghan Square and the Capitol Shopping Centre.