The Premier League has written to its clubs to warn them of the potential of a terror attack following the sickening assault on a Moscow concert hall that killed at least 137 people.
Clubs have been made aware of comments by Islamic state spokesperson Abu Hudhaifa al-Ansari, who called on ‘lone wolves’ to target Christians and Jews across the US, Europe and Israel during the month of Ramadan.
And those based in London have been told to be on their guard following the stabbing of an Iranian journalist in the capital, which is being investigated by counter-terrorism officers.
In a message sent on Saturday morning, ahead of the Easter fixtures, top flight clubs were urged to increase vigilance and reporting of any suspicious activity. They were also told to issue briefings to staff to ensure they are aware of the situation, are vigilant and act accordingly.
Sides were informed that the Moscow attack, which saw armed gunmen enter a music venue before indiscriminately butchering terrified concert-goers, was a ‘recent example of the large complex attacks still taking place in the western world’.
The message called for raised awareness over the Easter period ‘due to the vulnerability of crowds through bigger numbers and ongoing threats from IS’.
Following the Moscow attack, the threat level in France was increased, while the position is being closely monitored in the UK.
On Friday afternoon Pouria Zeraait, a presented at London-based Iran International, was stabbed in the leg outside his some in Wimbledon. Police said motivation for the attack was unclear however, his occupation – along with threats made towards UK-based Iranian journalists - meant specialist counter-terrorism officers were investigating.
A spokesperson for the
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