[Paul Griffiths]

BBC have just reported that there has been a bomb explosion near the Bernabeu ->

Spanish radio says a car bomb has exploded near the Real Madrid stadium as football fans were arriving for a crucial match.
There was no immediate report of any casualties after the blast at 1655 (1455 GMT). A huge amount of smoke was reported at the scene.

The Bernabeu stadium in Madrid is due to host a European Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Wednesday evening.

The Spanish news agency Efe said the Basque separatist organisation ETA claimed responsibility for the car bomb, in a phone call to the Basque newspaper Gara.

The full article is here

Lets hope all the fans & people around the stadium are all OK. Early report suggest no casualties.

 

[Paul Griffiths]

Skysports reports that UEFA are to hold a security meeting regarding whether or not tonights match should go ahead. Another bomb also went off 2KM south of that site as well.

What the fcuk is going on over there?!!!

Update >> ETA have claimed repsonibility for the explosions. 3 people have been injured but there are no fatalities. The Barcelona team are still in their team hotel.

 

[Freddie]

Explosion Heard Near Madrid Soccer Stadium
Wed May 1,11:17 AM ET

MADRID (Reuters) - A loud explosion was heard in the area of Madrid's Bernabeu soccer stadium at around 10:55 a.m. EDT Wednesday, witnesses said, and Spanish state radio said a car bomb had gone off.


Smoke was seen rising from the area of the stadium which is the venue for a European Champions League soccer semifinal between Real Madrid and Barcelona later on Wednesday.

Rescue services were seen going to the area. Ten days ago a car bomb blamed on Basque separatist group ETA damaged buildings and cars in the area but caused no serious injuries.

 

[Paul Griffiths]

Latest reports say at least seven people were slightly injured after the blast at 1655 (1455 GMT). The blast set fire to the Europa Tower, just 50 metres from the stadium. The area was engulfed in smoke.

Spanish radio later quoted police as saying a second car bomb had exploded in Madrid. The exact location was unclear.

UEFA.com report "Preparations for the match are continuing at present and a security meeting will be held at 1900 CET."

From the Barcelona camp ->

Barcelona spokesman Jose Miguel Teres said that "for the time being we haven't got any news. We're planning to travel in an hour and a half's time to the stadium. If there are any changes, we will be notified. The players are resting and the mood within the hotel is one of calmness."

 

[aca]

I just seen pictures on SKY.

Two explosions, approx 400 meters from the pitch.

They said that UEFA is having an emergency meeting to decide if the game will go ahead.

 

[nrk]

the two teams are agree to play the match, but the last world is for goverment that is studing if they can give the enough security for this match

 

[Joe]

if its not played today, i will go crazy coz i was so waiting for it!!!

 

[Paul Griffiths]

skysportsnews -> "Reports from Spain are that tonights UEFA Champions League Semi Final match between Real Madrid and Barcelona will go ahead"

 

[Krijn]

With all these bombs I think it isn't safe in Madrid and the game should be played on neutral grounds. How about Camp Nou?

 

[Paul Griffiths]

Tonights Game Will Go Ahead

Tonight's UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona will go ahead, despite two car-bomb explosions in Madrid, one of them close to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium where the match will be played.

Rest of the statement from UEFA is here

 

[Krijn]

Now this is insane.....

I'm saving money big time for a car, and some Basque idiots think it's ok to blow up some! Take something no one cares about to carry the bomb! Luis Figo for instance! Who cares about him?