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Brussels Attack A Stark Reminder For Euro 2016 Security Officials

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said that the terror attacks in Belgium are a reminder of the "very high level of security" needed at Euro 2016 this summer, according to the BBC. At least 31 people "were killed by Tuesday's explosions at Brussels airport and a city metro station." It is less than three months until Euro 2016 starts in France, "and the country's national football stadium was targeted in the Paris attacks in November." Cazeneuve: "The events in Brussels remind us of the very high level of security which is necessary to ensure Euro 2016 is successful. Euro 2016 should be a celebration but collective security is an obligation for everyone alongside the government" (BBC, 3/22). The AP reported Cazeneuve said that everything will be put in place to guarantee "collective security" at the tournament, with the mobilization of specially trained emergency staff, police and firefighters. In the wake of the Paris attacks, France "remains in a state of emergency." Tournament organizers had "strengthened security measures and made changes to the particularly vulnerable fan zones well before the events in Brussels." Fan zones are set up in squares or parts near the center of the city, "allowing supporters to watch a game on a big screen." Security "can be lighter than at stadiums" (AP, 3/22). REUTERS' Ed Osmond reported UEFA has "reaffirmed its commitment to security" ahead of Euro 2016 following the attacks. UEFA said in a statement, "Following today's events in Brussels, UEFA wishes to reaffirm its commitment in placing safety and security at the centre of its organisational plans for UEFA Euro 2016" (REUTERS, 3/22).

RING OF STEEL: THE SUN reported SAS forces and an elite Interpol group "have been called in to help prevent Euro 2016 being hit by terror attacks." The French "fear this summer's major tournament is a key target." The government is "planning to throw a ring of steel around all sides competing in France in an effort to minimise the threat of any incidents." Officials have already "invoked a previously unused part of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to call on the help of British special forces throughout the entire tournament." The SAS "are expected to be asked to help secure the sites of all training camps and hotels, as well as advise on precautions around match venues" (THE SUN, 3/22).

PLAYERS' RESPONSE: LA MEUSE reported Man City striker, Belgian national team captain and "proud Brussels native" Vincent Kompany "shared a strong message of support for the victims and their families" (LA MEUSE, 3/22).

INJURED OR SAFE: LA MEUSE reported former Belgian professional basketball player Sébastien Bellin was "injured in one of the two explosions." A source close to Bellin said that he was "in critical condition." Another former Belgian basketball player, Christian Manzanza, was injured "during the attack in the Maelbeek Metro station" (LA MEUSE, 3/22). In a separate piece, LA MEUSE reported EPL side Norwich confirmed that its striker Dieumerci Mbokani "was present Tuesday morning during the attacks at the Zaventem airport." The player was able to "escape unharmed but shaken," and was "at home, with his family" (LA MEUSE, 3/22). ESPN reported Hall of Fame NBA player Dikembe Mutombo was "at the airport in Brussels during the series of deadly terrorist attacks." Mutombo posted two messages and photos on his Facebook page, saying, "I am safe here" and "I am fine." (ESPN, 3/22).

EVENTS IN QUESTION: DHNET reported the Belgian national team suspended training and is "in contact with the Portuguese FA about cancelling the Belgium-Portugal friendly" that is scheduled be played at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on March 29 (DHNET, 3/22). LA MEUSE reported the cycling event À Travers les Flandres, set for Wednesday, "will not be canceled despite the attacks on Brussels." A meeting with the organizers and police confirmed Tuesday that "the event will take place" (LA MEUSE, 3/22).

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: In Dublin, Will Slattery reported the terror attacks have "wide-ranging implications for Euro 2016 this summer." UEFA Exec Committee VP Giancarlo Abete suggested that "games may have to be played behind closed doors." Abete said that it is a "possibility that to ensure fan safety, extreme measures may be taken." Abete: "Euro 2016 is the kind of event we can't delay or postpone. We can't exclude the possibility of playing behind closed doors as we cannot exclude terrorism" (IRISH INDEPENDENT, 3/22).

NO EURO? The AP's John Leicester opined if, as the French PM says, "Europe really is at war following the terror attacks on Paris and now Brussels, then a logical next step might be to put major sports events on hold, just as it did during the World Wars." Specifically, "give thought to postponing the European Championship." Allow "the continent's security services to concentrate fully over the coming months on things more important than securing a football tournament." French criminologist Alain Bauer "doesn't believe Euro 2016 will distract security services from fighting terrorism." And in the face of such challenges, he said, "You don't hide under the bed." Bauer: "War, terrorism, natural disasters are managed through resilience." But "in a war, organized, professional sports slide down the list of priorities." If the tournament "passes without incident and with joy, that will feel like an important victory against terrorism." But "if things go wrong, we'll kick ourselves for having taken our eyes off the ball" (AP, 3/22).

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