UEFA Not Considering Ban On Euro 2016 Supporters Following Brussels Attacks

 

UEFA says there are no plans to hold any matches at Euro 2016 behind closed doors following Tuesday's terrorist attacks in Brussels. At least 34 people were killed following explosions at Zaventem airport and the Maalbeek metro station in the Belgian capital.

Jacques Lambert, head of Euro 2016's organising committee told French radio that it would be absurd to play games behind closed doors. He said “We must demonstrate cool, sensible and responsible organisation of Euro 2016. It would be absurd to play matches at Euro 2016 in empty stadiums. The fan zones will be subject to the same security measures as the stadiums”.

UEFA vice-president Giancarlo Abete told Italian radio “We can't exclude the possibility of playing behind closed doors, as we cannot exclude terrorism”. European football's governing body has always maintained playing games with no fans present was one of several security options they would consider to protect the public at this summer's tournament in France - but have moved quickly to reassure fans that this is not being considered at present.

A UEFA statement read: “We are confident that all security measures will be in place for a safe and festive Euro and therefore there are no plans to play matches behind closed-doors. However, we are nevertheless working on contingency plans and on multiple scenarios around crisis situations since we take the security of all participants (players, fans, etc) very seriously”.