Security for the upcoming Davis Cup tie between Belgium and Great Britain has been dramatically tightened following the imminent risk of a terror attack in Brussels.
The historic tie will take place at the Flanders Exo, less than 40 miles away from Brussels. On Saturday the government confirmed that there was a risk of an ‘imminent’ terror attack in Brussels, eight days after the Paris Terror attacks where 129 people were killed. The revelation prompted the Belgian government to raise the terror level in the city to its highest possible level, resulting in the suspension of the metro system as well as sporting events over the weekend.
The tense situation in Belgium has lead to apprehension for the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ahead of the tie in the 13,000 capacity venue. Great Britain delayed their travel to the country by 24 hours before arriving in Ghent earlier today. Despite the worrying situation in the country, the ITF and Royal Belgian Tennis Federation (RBTF) have pledged to continue with the upcoming event in a statement.
“The ITF and Royal Belgian Tennis Federation (RBTF), in consultation with the relevant officials and our risk assessment and security advisers, are closely monitoring the situation in Belgium and specifically in Ghent. As of today there are no changes to the previously published start times for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Belgium and Great Britain”. The statement reads.
It will be first time that both countries have played each other in the final of the tournament since 1904. Great Britain, who last reached the final in 1978, is bidding to win the title for the first time since 1936. Meanwhile Belgium is bidding to win their first Davis Cup title in history.
Great Britain conducted their first training session at the Flanders Expo on Monday afternoon involving Dan Evans, Jamie Murray and Andy Murray.
British team arrive, Jamie Murray and Dan Evans first on court pic.twitter.com/WZd1K55n6W
— Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) November 23, 2015
Andy Murray now on court at what is a chilly Flanders Expo (hence leggings I guess) pic.twitter.com/W5l3v6MjF5 — Mike Dickson (@Mike_Dickson_DM) November 23, 2015
The clash will get underway on Friday at 12:30 GMT. For those traveling to the tournament, the ITF have issued the following advice.
- This is a sold out event. There will not be any tickets on sale at the venue and anyone without a ticket will not be allowed access to the venue area.
- Additional security measures will be in place at all entrances to the venue and will apply to all ticket holders, staff members and visitors.
- Entry into the event will take longer than usual. Please keep this in mind when planning your arrival to the Flanders Expo. The gates will open two hours in advance of each day’s start time.
- Bags and backpacks will not be permitted in the Flanders Expo. Ticket holders will be asked to check any bags into available off-site storage facilities.
- No food or drink will be allowed into the arena. A full selection of refreshments will be available in venue.
- For those travelling into Belgium for the tie we advise that you liaise directly with your flight or train operator for up to date information on any changes to departure times or protocols.
