The Sports Ground Safety Authority, the UK Government’s expert body on safety at sports grounds has issued a statement in response to the increased terror threat following events in Manchester on Monday.

“On Tuesday 23 May, the UK threat level was raised to CRITICAL, meaning an attack is imminent. Crowded places and sports grounds remain a target for terrorist activity.

The Police are reminding people to stay alert but not alarmed and to report any suspicious activity.

The SGSA is working with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) to help share their advice.

The NaCTSO website provides an update from the incident in Manchester and includes their most recent Protective Security Advice. www.gov.uk/government/news/manchester-arena-incident

The SGSA’s advice is for sports grounds to review current safety and protective security measures and contingency plans, and consider how these could be strengthened in the light of the threat level being raised to CRITICAL. 

We encourage grounds to discuss safety and protective security measures and contingency plans with all parties, including the police, other emergency services, and the relevant local authority. This will be particularly important whilst the threat remains at CRITICAL.

We remind all sports grounds that good safety and protective security practices are important at all times, as well as on event day and that all staff understand their role.

NaCTSO’s Project Griffin is a counter-terrorism awareness initiative to help organisations understand, reduce and respond to the threat.  www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-initiative-project-griffin-industry-self-delivery

We continue to liaise with the Government, NaCTSO, the UK Police Football Unit, the Football Authorities, sport governing bodies and other parties to ensure the safety of spectators at sports grounds remains a priority.”

Chelsea has announced the cancellation of its victory parade planned for Sunday.  

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