Security worries have seriously escalated in Belgium ahead of their historic Davis Cup final clash against Great Britain.
Belgium has increased their terror threat to the highest level in Brussels after receiving intelligence, fearing that a Paris-style attack could happen. A manhunt has been launched after authorities was quoted saying that ‘several individuals with arms and explosives could launch an attack’. The government has closed the metro until Sunday and people has been advised not to gather crowds. This has resulted in all Belgian hockey as well as some football matches being cancelled.
The latest development is a huge concern ahead of the Davis Cup final, which will take place less than 40 miles away from Brussels at the Flanders Expo Arena. In light of the recent developments in Belgium, French freelance journalist Carole Bouchard has contacted the ITF. The president of the ITF, David Haggerty, has expressed his concerns over terror threat, but has reiterated that the final will still be going ahead for the moment.
Statement from the ITF president David Haggerty about Belgium’s situation regarding to Davis Cup final : pic.twitter.com/X72NfMn5pp
— Carole Bouchard (@carole_bouchard) November 21, 2015
One of the players competing in the upcoming final will be world No.2 Andy Murray. The Brit has recently discussed the security concerns facing the event. Regardless of the recent events, Murray has pledged to play in Belgium because ‘he doesn’t want the terrorists to win’.
In the wake of the latest developments, the British Foreign Office has updated their advice to British nationals. They have advised that people should not go to areas with large a concentration of people, such as sporting events. It currently undecided if this advice will remain in place for the Davis Cup next weekend.
The maximum terror threat level will remain in place until Sunday afternoon, when the government will review it before making any further announcements.
