MANCHESTER CITY have strengthened their defence against the threat of a terrorist attack by making the 55,000-seater Etihad Stadium more bombproof.
Attacks across Europe have security forces on edge and football stadiums, like shopping centres, are considered particularly attractive targets due to the huge crowds attracted.
City, in response to the growing concern, have banned driving directly around the stadium and installed hundreds of new anti-shatter glass panes around the front of the stadium, reports the Mail.
City have followed in the footsteps of local rivals United who ramped up their security earlier in the season after the Premier League wrote to all 20 clubs advising them to be extra vigilant against the threat of terrorism.
The warning was given in the wake of the Berlin market Christmas terror attack that left 12 people dead and 56 injured and the devastating bomb attacks outside Besiktas’ Vodafone Arena that left 44 people dead in December.
A Premier League spokesman said: "Premier League clubs take safety and security very seriously and have a range of policies and provisions in place.
"They routinely work closely with the police, and with their local safety advisory group.
"Following the tragic events in Berlin, the Premier League shared with clubs relevant up-to-date information and guidance provided by statutory authorities."
Anti-shatter glass was installed in January around Old Trafford and they now have the Premier League’s first counter-terrorism officer.
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United were left red-faced back in May when their match with Bournemouth was cancelled when a dummy bomb left behind after a training exercise resulted in a controlled explosion around the ground.
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd called for a full inquiry into what he called a "fiasco".
United refunded all tickets and allowed ticket holders from both clubs to watch the rearranged game for free, while United season ticket holders were also be given a credit which cost United around £3m.
At the time, United’s vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "The club takes security very seriously and staff are regularly trained with the police and emergency services to identify and deal with these incidents.
"We will investigate the incident to inform future actions and decisions."
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