Atlético de Madrid’s crucial preparations for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal were severely hampered overnight after their London team hotel was targeted by fireworks. The incident, which occurred around 1:30 AM, was a deliberate attempt to prevent the players from getting adequate rest before the pivotal match.

The Spanish club has officially reported the disruptive event to UEFA, according to a report by Isaac Suárez in Marca. Players and staff were attempting to sleep at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch after dinner and a training session at the Emirates Stadium when the attack unfolded.

Midnight disruption at Shoreditch hotel

A group of individuals approached the hotel in the early hours of the morning of the match with the clear intention of disturbing the peace. A first round of fireworks was launched, followed approximately twenty minutes later by a second, more powerful explosion of pyrotechnic material. This second blast was significant enough to interrupt the sleep of several Atlético players and staff members.

The targeted nature of the attack disrupted the team’s normal routine and preparation for what is arguably one of their most important fixtures of the season. Despite the hotel being situated in a well-located area of the city, the perpetrators faced no apparent impediment in reaching the team’s accommodation site.

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UEFA notified after targeted incident

The incident marks another instance of unsportsmanlike conduct seen in international football, where opponents’ rest is deliberately targeted. Atlético de Madrid will be hoping that UEFA takes swift action following their report, as the integrity of pre-match preparations for high-stakes European encounters is important.

Sources: www.marca.com

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