Wednesday 23 March 2016 15:47, UK
Wales manager Chris Coleman has backed UEFA's decision not to play Euro 2016 matches behind closed doors.
After the terror attacks in Brussels on Tuesday, UEFA executive committee vice-president Giancarlo Abete suggested the move ahead of this summer's showpiece.
But the option has been ruled out and in a statement the governing body stated their confidence in the security plans in place for the championships.
"That's good news as far as I'm concerned, music to my ears," said Coleman. "Of course, we understand the concerns and safety is paramount.
"But if that happens [playing behind closed doors] we've reached a time where our life and our freedom will change forever, and for the worse, unfortunately.
"We would be giving in to the mindless few. The players want to go and perform like they've seen players do at other tournaments. It's going to be exciting.
"We've checked out the stadiums and the hotels and we're looking forward to a normal tournament."
However, Republic of Ireland counterpart Martin O'Neill says he will accept playing Euro 2016 matches at empty grounds if it ensures safety even if it is at the expense of the travelling fans.
"If someone wants to make an attack as happened yesterday, it's very, very difficult to deal with that," said the former Celtic and Aston Villa boss.
"But overall the security that we're being provided with is really excellent and like everything else, I'd comply with anything that is happening.
"There's talk about matches being played behind closed doors, but the safety of people is of paramount importance and anything that is agreed upon, we will fall in line.
"It is not ideal and of course people at this stage will have paid a lot of money to get tickets so if it comes to that it's going to be very difficult to deal with but if that's the only solution then we might have to go with it."
