European Championship round of sixteen - Hooded man under the stadium roof: what we know and what we don't know
During the German EM-Quarterfinal against Denmark, a man climbs under the Dortmund stadium roof - and is only taken away by the police after the final whistle. The scenes caused international attention as well, raising questions about the security concept for the European Football Championship.
What we know
The Dortmund police issued three statements in the night. The man is reportedly a 21-year-old from Osnabrück. He allegedly climbed onto the roof at 10:27 pm, at the start of the second half. There was no danger to the spectators, the officers repeated. Law enforcement personnel approached the man after the final whistle and spoke to him. A helicopter also illuminated the stadium roof.
A video published by the English newspaper "Daily Mail" shows that the man was initially disguised and carried a large backpack. He climbed from the walkways under the stadium roof to the beams of the roof construction. The moment he was taken away is also documented.
German and Danish players were informed about the incident. The events had no concrete effects on the course of the game or their departure after the match. As confirmed by the German Football Association, referee Michael Oliver informed the captains of both teams, Ilkay Gündogan and Kasper Schmeichel, of the situation before the second half began. Pictures show all three looking up towards the stadium roof. The game continued without interruption. The referee was also in contact with a UEFA delegate at the sidelines.
What we don't know
The police could not provide information on the man's motives initially. "Currently, there is no information that the man wanted to endanger the stadium guests with his behavior," the police stated. The contents of the backpack were also not disclosed initially. The "Bild" newspaper reported that a photo equipment was in the backpack. The man was reportedly a "roofer," who climbs on high buildings and takes photos or films himself. The reasons for the second half being whistled are unclear.
It is unclear how the man managed to get into the area under the roof in the first place. Access is usually restricted. The walkways under the roof serve approximately for the maintenance of the stadium's technical equipment.
It is also unclear how the man managed to get into the interior with a large backpack, as entry is usually not allowed.
The incident raises questions about the security concept for the EM. There were frequent incidents during the group stage where spectators went onto the pitch to take photos with the players. During the opening match, a web video producer had managed to gain access to the Munich stadium's interior in a "Albert" mascot costume and with a fake accreditation.
The UEFA referred to the police statement. "We have no further comment," the European football governing body stated in response to an inquiry by the German Press Agency.
- The 21-year-old from Osnabrück who caused a commotion during the German EM-Quarterfinal against Denmark at Dortmund's stadium, was reportedly a roofer who enjoys climbing high buildings and filming himself.
- The Dortmund police confirmed that the helicopter used during the incident was deployed to illuminate the stadium roof, ensuring the safe removal of the intruder.
- The European Football Championship, taking place in various cities across North Rhine-Westphalia and Europe, has faced security concerns after several incidents, including this one in Dortmund.
- The Danish and German soccer teams were informed about the man's intrusion on the stadium roof, but the incident did not impact the game's progress or the players' departure afterwards.
- The German EM-Quarterfinal between Germany and Denmark took place at Dortmund's stadium, under the watchful eye of UEFA, who are overseeing the European Football Championship across different countries in Europe.
- Interestingly, access to the area under the stadium roof and its interior is usually restricted, making it challenging to explain how the intruder managed to enter with his large backpack.
