Anyone who hoped that football, despite Friday's suicide bomb attack at Stade de France, wouldn't be a front in Europe's battle with terrorism, will be depressed to learn of news from Hannover tonight that Germany's friendly with Holland has been cancelled due to security concerns.
There is confusion about the exact circumstances of why the game was called off. Bild had said a 'suspicious person' was spotted outside the arena
HDI Arena in Hannover is being evacuated. Suspicious person outside the stadium [Bild] pic.twitter.com/uL5rBnI8Q2
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) November 17, 2015
The Guardian, on the other hand, were reporting news from police sources who say a suspicious object was found in the stadium after fans were allowed to enter the arena.
Police spokesperson Stephanie Weiss said a suspicious object was found at the stadium. Police later opened the doors and fans started coming in, however the stadium was then evacuated and the game called off.
UPDATE 19.20: German journalists are reporting that a truck bomb disguised as a rescue vehicle was discovered outside the stadium
Jeroen Grueter, a German sports journalist, has photographed police holiding a man at gunpoint 1km from the stadium.
UPDATE 21.30: German government officials have confirmed that, contrary to reports, there was no bomb found in the arena.
BREAKING: German regional minister says no explosives found around stadium in Hannover & no arrests made after @DFB_Team v @KNVB cancelled.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 17, 2015
BREAKING: German regional minister says no explosives found around stadium in Hannover & no arrests made after @DFB_Team v @KNVB cancelled.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 17, 2015
Man wordt onder schot gehouden, 1 km van stadion #Hannover pic.twitter.com/CMROCwzAp9
— Jeroen Grueter (@Jeroen_Grueter) November 17, 2015
Angela Merkel was due to attend the game.
Breaking News. got through security only to be told match between Germany and Holland immediately cancelled #GERNED pic.twitter.com/1gPw6g4Oxj
— Dion (@DionFarnes) November 17, 2015
Hannover stadium evacuated account to reports - lots of sirens pic.twitter.com/RUYvzgokLF
— jenny hill (@jennyhillBBC) November 17, 2015
The German team, we all remember, spent Friday night in the Stade de France dressing room following the terrorist attacks on Paris.
A friendly between Belgium and Spain scheduled for tonight was also cancelled.
More to follow.
