Germany match cancelled as stadium evacuated over security concerns

DPA also reported a bomb threat about an hour earlier outside the stadium and that streets leading to it had been sealed off before the all-clear was given.

The soccer match was meant to be attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and members of her Cabinet in a show of solidarity following the Paris terror attacks.

Germany were caught up in the attacks in Paris on Friday, with explosions heard outside the Stade de France during their friendly against France as suicide bombers detonated devices. At least 129 people were killed in the coordinated attacks in the city.

Hannover police confirmed the game between the world champions and Oranje was off less than two hours before the scheduled start over security fears. She flew back to Berlin.

De Maiziere said he could give few details because he needed to protect the source of information, and because “part of these answers would upset the population”.

Lower Saxony Interior Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking at the same late news conference, said no explosives had been found by then, and no arrests had been made.

The soccer stadium wasn’t the only place in Hannover where people were anxious about their safety.

A stadium announcement said the game has been canceled. The arena was due to host a concert by German band The Söhne Mannheims.

“My impression is that football in Germany has taken a different turn in every facet of today”, Rauball said.

German media outlets Der Spiegel and Bild Zeitung reported the tips came from France’s intelligence agency.

“It’s a shame for many football fans who were looking forward to a great game, a game which was to be played under different conditions to usual football games – in the spirit of respect, and as a sign against violence and terrorism”. All supporters’ bags had been searched and police sniffer dogs were also on patrol. “Spectators are being asked right now to leave the stadium quickly, but without panic”, a police spokesperson told German media.

The football friendly between Germany and the Netherlands has been cancelled 90 minutes before kickoff due to the serious threat of an attack at the Hanover stadium.