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Gareth Bale mania sparks Wales security alert
WALES have increased security around their team hotel to protect the world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale.
Bale was confronted by fans at half-time in Wales’ game in Macedonia on Friday and manager Chris Coleman says he has been taken by surprise by Bale mania.
The Welsh are at home to Serbia in a World Cup qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight and Bale could play for the first time since his £86million move from Spurs to Real Madrid after a full training session yesterday.
Wales will examine a scan on a minor groin injury before discussing with Bale this morning whether he starts on the bench.
If he comes on it will be the first football Bale has played since 45 minutes with Tottenham in a pre-season friendly at Swindon on July 16.
“I am not used to this, having a player like Bale,” said Coleman. “We have to tighten up on everything and how we look at it.
“I have played with Alan Shearer and Ryan Giggs, a phenomenal player, but I have not seen it like this.”
A Welsh FA spokesman said: “In terms of security, player safety is always a priority. We’ve had to adapt to situations in the past and will continue to do so to ensure safety. Security is also a priority for the stadium.”