Germany vs Netherlands friendly called off
Germany’s friendly with the Netherlands on Tuesday has been called off because of an “intention to ignite explosives” at the Hannover stadium.
The Hanover Stadium in Germanywas evacuated a short while ago, less than two hours before kick-off.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and several other high ranking members of her government were at the stadium and hustled away.
The World Cup winners were due to host the Oranje on Tuesday night at the HDI Arena in Hannover just days after their match with France was targeted in the terrorist attacks in Paris.
Reports indicated that the German national team hadn’t yet arrived at the stadium and were rerouted to an undisclosed location.
“It’s a sad day for German football”, Rauball said. He said they had been taken to a “safe place” and that he could not disclose any more information.
Multiple explosions occurred outside the Stade de France Friday while a friendly soccer game between France and Germany was taking place inside. “Please leave quietly but quickly to the nearest exit and go home”.
BREAKING: Reports that German police have discovered a truck bomb disguised as an ambulance near football stadium in Hanover.
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 dpa news agency quotes an unidentified police official as saying checks found that none had links to the attacks.
Germany were of course involved in the game with France on the fateful evening of the attacks in Paris.
“After sleeping on it, it was clear that the game must go ahead – also in solidarity with our French friends”.