Boateng will not take his family to Euro 2016 due to terror threat

Germany defender Jerome Boateng has said that his family will not attend the matches during Euro football championship fearing that terrorist attacks might take place.

In remarks published on Wednesday by Sport Bild, he said his family will not go to the stadium as he thinks the risk is too great.

The Bayern Munich defender said the decision was sad for him, but added that many things have happened in recent times that have made him take it.

"Each person must decide for himself how to deal with it. I have already done so," he said.

"My family and children will not be coming to the stadium. The risk is simply too big. It's obviously sad to have to deal with such a question. But too many things have happened in the last few days that makes one reflect."

The 27-year-old said the decision will also allow him to worry only about what happens on the pitch.

"I would like to concentrate fully on football during the Euros, and I would feel much better if my family is not sitting in the stadium," he said.

Boateng was part of the Germany team playing at the Stade de France in Paris on November 13 when a series of attacks across the French capital city left 130 dead.

Three people died following explosions at the stadium during the friendly match against the French national side.

A few days later, a friendly between Germany and the Netherlands was scrapped at the last minute over a terror threat.

And on Tuesday, fans travelling to Euro 2016 in France were warned by the Foreign Office to be on their guard against terrorists.

--IANS

pur/dg