Man U suicide bomb plot

[demdave]

A SUICIDE bomb plot to kill thousands of soccer fans at Saturday’s Manchester United-Liverpool match was dramatically foiled yesterday.

Armed cops seized ten terror suspects in dawn raids.

Intelligence chiefs believe al-Qaeda fanatics planned to blow themselves up amid 67,000 unsuspecting supporters. A source said: “The target was Old Trafford.”

The Islamic fanatics planned to sit all around the ground to cause maximum carnage.

They had already bought the tickets for various positions in the stadium, cops revealed last night.

But armed cops foiled the horrific plot - which could have killed thousands watching Manchester United’s home game against Liverpool on Saturday - in a series of dawn raids yesterday.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004180985,00.html

[daleo]

1. It will be interesting to see how this story develops

I wish I wasn't so cynical, but it sure would be great for Tony if it was true. A few things to think about.

"But it was unclear whether any explosives or weapons had been recovered."
...
"Bombers planning the Old Trafford massacre would have run the risk of being searched going into the ground before the 3pm kick-off."
...
"The identities and details of the suspects remained top secret last night — even to many of those involved in the operation."
...
“We appreciate the public interest in this but are unable to provide more specific details at this stage.”

[ze_dscherman]

2. Already debunked

From Financial Times:

Manchester United says stadium not targeted
By William Hall and Mark Huband
Published: April 19 2004 12:25 | Last Updated: April 20 2004 8:37


Manchester United denied speculation that its Old Trafford stadium had been targeted by terrorists. After the arrest of 10 people in the Manchester area on Monday under the terrorism act, reports raised fears that the premiership football club was the target of a planned suicide attack.

Police made the arrests as part of an operation that may be linked to supporters of anti-coalition forces in Iraq.

SNIP

Dave Whatton, assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, told the BBC that those arrested were believed to be of Iraqi Kurd and north African origin.

They had been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the "commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism", although it is uncertain whether the arrests will lead to them being charged with terrorism offences.

More: http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1079420433986&p=1012571727092

[mouse7]

6. Kurds wouldn't be making terrorist attacks in England.

Maybe in Turkey, but not in England.

[ze_dscherman]

11. Not the ordinary PKK-type Kurds

From the article:

"However, counter-terrorism officials in several European countries have been closely following the activities of Iraqi Kurds who may be linked to Ansar al-Islam, a Kurdish group linked to al-Qaeda that may have recruited Muslims in Europe to join the armed opposition to the US-led coalition in Iraq."

The article gives some more hints that the raid has not been about an imminent terror threat in the UK (as it is spun by the media), but about people supporting the uprising in Iraq.

[MaineDem]

3. One of the saddest things to me is...

the fact that so many people now are doubtful that any of this is true. It's come to the point that everything the government (US and British) says is questioned. The days of having faith in the leadership are long gone and I think that's one of the greatest legacies of GWB.

[markses]

4. Millwall Firm plots attacks on Man U Wankers

They'll sort you out and piss in yer lager, mate.



MILLWALL-CARDIFF YOBS PREP FOR FA CUP FUN?

So the Millwall vs Manchester United FA Cup final on May 22 will be held at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. That's the home city of the old "Soul Crew" hooligan gang. They don't like Millwall. And according to Millwall and their song "Everyone Hates Us"—no one likes Millwall, currently a first division club still quite famous for its South London hooligan element. So the David from the New Den will be facing the Goliath from up north in a city where massive punch ups were the order of the day every Saturday for years on end. A large police presence has been guaranteed in Cardiff for the big day. "The police in Cardiff know the difference between passion and aggression which is important," a Cardiff City Supporters Club spokesman told The Western Mail. We'll put the over/under of Millwall arrests and injuries at 25. As for the game, we hope the Lions (who have "pride, not prejudice" according to the Millwall front office) upset Manchester United and put the infamous Millwall Brick inside the famous FA Cup.

[markses]

5. Goal Kick!

[rjbcar27]

7. Is that the only image you think of?

a tiny minority causing problems at a tiny minority of matches? :eyes:

Try Turkey for football violence.

[markses]

9. Oh for God's sake

The story is about violence at an English soccer match.

It's a fookin joke, id'n it?

Now it's offensive to bring up soccer hooliganism to the Brits? Fuck awl! Lucky we're not out in a Laaaaahdan ambulance! Chelsea smoiles all around.

[mouse7]

8. Posh Spice on a rampage!

The furious massacre will start in Manchester and won't stop until she gets her hands on Beckam in Madrid.

[markses]

10. She'll sort 'im out, she will

She will fookin 'ave 'im this time.