Hotel guests call police suspecting Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan to be a terrorist
In a bizarre incident in Belgium, AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan was almost arrested in his hometown of Antwerp after he was suspected of being a terrorist, according to Mirror. Nainggolan was staying at a hotel in the city when guests called the police after they suspected he was a terrorist
Citizens in countries across Europe are on edge after the recent terror attacks in Paris killed 129 people and wounded hundreds more. The France vs Germany friendly at the Stade de France was also a target with explosions outside the stadium even heard on live telecast. One of the suicide bombers even had a ticket to the game but was stopped outside the arena.
Understandably, people across Europe are living with extreme caution and Nainggolan’s presence at the Raddison hotel in the port city was not taken well by some of the guests. The 27-year-old, who also plays for the Belgian national team, sports a number of tattoos and his hat was also something that aroused suspicion.
The midfielder was relaxing at the hotel with his family after Belgium’s friendly match with Spain had been called off due to security concerns. The match was supposed to be held at King Baudouin Stadium in the Belgian capital of Brussels.
When the police arrived, they immediately recognised the footballer and put to rest suspicions of any wrongdoing. What’s more, Nainggolan took the incident in his stride and even posed for photographs with the Belgian policemen to ensure everyone went home happy.
Champions League matches and El Clasico will not be cancelled
Earlier this week, UEFA had announced that Champions League and Europa League matches to be held between 24 November and 26 November will go ahead as scheduled. Their official statement said: “UEFA has very strict rules regarding safety and security in relation to the organisation of matches and is working closely with the home clubs and local authorities to ensure all necessary measures are implemented to guarantee safety for all involved.”
Meanwhile, even the La Liga game between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu will go ahead this weekend after the head of Spain's sports council confirmed the Clasico would not be cancelled.
“We are in the best hands. The security measures in our country are extraordinary,”Miguel Cardenal had said. “We have the strength and security of the state and we know how to protect ourselves. There is no reason to make us think we should change our behaviour. There is no need to think the enemy could attack us this week.
“People should know there is total transparency. If it is said it is reasonable to go to the stadium, for the Clasico, then it is reasonable without a doubt.”