The Moroccan Hero Who Avoided Carnage at Stade de France

But as he tried to enter the stadium minutes after kick-off, a security guard identified only as Zouheir located an explosive device after deciding to search a man who attempted to get in near the player’s tunnel.

The man used his judgement to prevent one of the suicide bombers from entering Paris Stade de France. The attackers all wore identical explosive vests. While attempting to back away from security, the attacker detonated the explosives-laden vest, according to the Stade de France security guard who was on duty at the time.

At least 120 people were killed after multiple terror attacks in the French capital, a further 180 injured and 99 in hospital in critical condition.

Michel Spingler/AP Investigating police officers work outside the Stade de France stadium after the explosion.

Moments later, a second terrorist blew himself up outside the stadium and a third set his belt off inside a nearby McDonald’s, killing one civilian.

Although the Paris attacks are as unbelievable inhumane as it could get, one shudders to only think of what might have happened if Zouheir had not intervened on time. France was playing Germany inside the stadium in an exhibition match.

Zouheir told reporters: “Once I saw [Francois] Hollande being evacuated, I knew it wasn’t firecrackers”. He could see Hollande’s VIP box from his position.

The match continued, with French Football Federation chief Noel le Graet confirming that the information was not communicated to fans or players in order to avoid causing panic. Confusion began only in the second-half of the match.

An eyewitness said the two explosions at the stadium were easily loud enough to be heard over the sound of cheering fans.

The German team had been involved in a bomb scare at their hotel in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, with the five-star Hotel Molitor being evaucated.