Executive Protection

In response to the growing concern about a return to violence in Northern Ireland, the Polish Football Association (soccer for us Americans) has arranged for a Polish protective detail to accompany the Polish team to Ireland for the world cup qualifier. The match will be played today amid concerns that terrorism has returned to Northern Ireland as evidenced by the recent deaths of an Irish Police Officer and two British soldiers.

In the background to the recent violence in Northern Ireland is also the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan several weeks ago which heightened the vulnerability of national sports teams as terrorist targets which began with the Munich Olympics in 1972.

Most professional sports complexes have undertaken some measures (with varying degrees of success) to protect both athletes and spectators from terrorism in the aftermath of 9-11. However the high profile of national sports teams, particularly those in international competitions, plus the gathered audience will continue to attract the attention of terrorist groups seeking targets.

Fortunately, Police in Northern Ireland still have extensive experience countering the threat of terrorism and will no doubt be prepared for a variety of contingencies.