Germany game - Man climbed under the stadium roof: what is known about the incident
During the German EURO-16 match against Denmark, a man climbs under the Dortmund stadium roof - and is only taken away by the police after the final whistle. The scenes on Saturday evening caused great international attention, raising questions about the security concept at the EURO.
What we know
The Dortmund police issued three statements in the night to Sunday. The man is reportedly a 21-year-old from Osnabrück. He allegedly climbed onto the roof at 10:27 pm, during the beginning 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 he was taken away. 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 larger backpack. He climbed from the walkways under the stadium roof to the beams of the roof structure. The moment he was taken away is also documented.
The 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 the German Football Association confirmed on Sunday, referee Michael Oliver informed the captains of both teams, Ilkay Gündogan and Kasper Schmeichel, of the incident before the second half began. Images show all three looking up towards the stadium roof. The game continued without interruption. The referee was also in contact with a delegate of the European Football Union UEFA on the sidelines.
What we don't know
The police could not make any statements about the man's motives initially. "Currently, there are no findings that the man wanted to endanger the stadium visitors with his behavior," the police stated. The contents of the backpack were also not disclosed initially. The "Bild" newspaper reported on Sunday afternoon that the backpack contained photographic equipment, the man was a so-called "roofer" who climbs on high buildings and takes photos or films himself. The reasons for whistling the second half 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 with a large backpack entered the interior, as entry with such a bag is generally not allowed.
Questions about the security concept of the EURO 2024 in Germany
The incident raises questions about the security concept of the EURO. There have been numerous incidents during the group stage where spectators have gone onto the pitch to take photos with the players. During the opening match, a web video producer managed to gain access to the interior of the Munich stadium in a "Albär" costume and with a fake accreditation.
The Uefa referred to the police statement on Sunday morning. "We have no further comment," the governing body said in response to an inquiry from the German Press Agency.
- Despite the incident involving a 21-year-old from Osnabrück climbing onto the Dortmund stadium roof during the EURO-16 match against Denmark, the police assured that there was no danger to the spectators.
- A helicopter was deployed to illuminate the stadium roof as law enforcement personnel approached the man after the match, eventually taking him away.
- The incident prompted discussions about the security concept for the upcoming European Football Championship in 2024, as there have been similar incidents during previous matches.
- The European Football Union, UEFA, released a statement saying they had no further comment on the matter, deferring to the German police's investigation.
