Islamic State 'ordered terrorists to shoot Real Madrid footballers and attack their stadium with explosives', as police in Spain arrest nine people

Islamic State terrorists were ordered to shoot at Real Madrid players, according to reports from Spain after the Civil Guard dismantled one of the organisation's propaganda centres. 

According to Spanish outlet El Confidencial, the self-styled I'lam Foundation - one of the biggest Propaganda sources connected with Islamic State - was taken down by the Spanish Civil Guard Information Service.

The report claims that the operation uncovered a number of orders directed at Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabeu and Los Blancos fans. 

A post was circulated on the now dismantled network, which includes the imagery of a person in a balaclava or hood aiming a gun at what looks to be a stock picture of a coach. 

The image is accompanied by the message: 'My dear brother. Wait in a place near the arrival point of the players. Aim at them along with their supporters.'

Another post was reportedly more directed at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying: 'My dear brother in Al-Andalus. A very valuable target awaits you. 

'Break through the crowds, distract security with improvised explosives and decoy devices and advance towards your main target with determination.'

The operation from the Civil Guard was carried out in cooperation with Europol, the FBI and the authorities from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Estonia, Romania and Iceland. 

It has yielded nine arrests in Spain, as per El Confidencial, from Girona, Cadiz, Almeria and Tenerife, two of which proceeded to pre-trial detention. 

According to Sky Italy, investigations began months ago, and included the seizure of computer and propaganda material, and those arrested were accused of terrorism and criminal conspiracy. 

Real Madrid are believed to have offered their gratitude to the authorities for protecting its players and fans.  

It comes two months after security at a number of Champions League venues was heightened considerably following a reported threat from Islamic State. 

The Al Azaim Foundation, a media channel that is responsible for spreading messages from the terror group, threatened an attack on all four venues hosting quarter-final games. 

That included the Emirates Stadium in London, which played host to Arsenal v Bayern Munich, and the Santiago Bernabeu - where Man City fans watched their side take on Real Madrid. 

A post shared by the group saying 'kill all' also named the Parc des Princes in Paris and the Metropolitano in Madrid - which both hosted matches. 

The authorities in Madrid activated all of their 'alert' and 'response systems' following the supposed terrorist threat, according to reports in Spain from April.