Security for Saturday's Real Madrid-Barça derby 'the strictest in history'
Security for Saturday's Real Madrid-Barça derby 'the strictest in history'
REAL Madrid FC's stadium will feature the tightest levels of security ever in its history when the Barça FC match kicks off this Saturday.
The Santiago Bernabéu arena and several streets nearby will be surrounded by armed police – twice as many officers as would normally be on duty at a so-called 'high-risk' match.
Fans will be searched one by one upon entering.
Spain's government has stressed that no football matches in the country will be called off in response to safety fears in light of the Paris massacre, but says those going to watch the Madrid-Barça derby – day nine of the BBVA League – should arrange to get there very early as it will take much longer than usual to get into the stadium.
Given the extent of rivalry between Real Madrid and Barça, the derby would already be considered 'high-risk' and additional security measures in place, but these have multiplied after the suicide bombing at the Stade de France in Paris during the friendly between the home team and Germany.
Riot police, mounted police, officers on motorbikes and even in helicopters will be patrolling the area, with the Red Cross, ambulances and the Civil Protection squad on duty.
The last high-risk match held at the Bernabéu arena was the Madrid-Juventus game during the Champions' League, when over 1,600 police officers complete with riot equipment were drafted in.
In the aftermath of the multiple terrorist attacks in Paris, it is likely that this number will more than double, meaning anything from 3,000 to 3,500 police officers at and around the stadium, or even more.
Although kick-off is not until 18.15hrs, the security operation will already be in place by early afternoon – including in areas where a high number of fans are likely to gather, such as bars on and off the premises and in the street outside.
Madrid's regional government has warned the stadium will be 'completely sealed off' and 'like an air-raid bunker'.
MP Concepción Dancausa says absolutely everything carried onto the premises will be examined, 'even sandwiches'.
Anything sharp or which could otherwise be used to cause harm to persons, even if they are innocent objects, are likely to be confiscated.
Metal detectors will be in place at all the entrance doors, including the VIP area.
