Internet Desk: Hours ahead of the last quarter-final between France and Iceland of Euro 2016, an explosion has rocked football plans outside Stade De France.
Those who heard the boom have said it was ‘loud enough’ to sound like it was not under the control of law enforcement, sparking fear throughout the area.
The presidents of France and Iceland as well as their respective prime ministers are expected to attend tonight’s fixture.
Tensions are already running high in the country after warnings from terror chiefs Islamic State militants said they want to attack the tournament.
Around 100,000 police, security guards and soldiers are expected to be used across the country to ensure fans’ safety amid terror fears.
An extra 3,000 army troops were drafted into the capital for the tournament to add to the 10,000 already deployed following last year’s attacks, which included a suicide bombing at the Stade de France stadium while France were playing an international football match.
But thousands of defiant fans refused to let fear ruin the sport and followed the national team to their games. The Paris attacks in November began at the Stade de France.
Police security teams have been working around the clock after threats were made to the tournament. And there have been previous bomb scares.
A suspicious package was found at the Stade de France before the Ireland vs Sweden Euro 2016 match but it was later deemed a false alarm.
Before Wales’ group game with Russia a suspect package was found – forcing police to evacuate the city centre in Toulouse.
A suspect package was found in Lille before the match between Russia and Slovakia and during the Germany-Italy match an entire fan zone was evacuated.
It later turned out that someone had let off a fire cracker.
The French national team will be feeling already added pressure today as they must take the game to Iceland right from the start of their European Championship quarter-final.