Masked man climbed under the stadium roof for photos
The Masked Man, who climbed onto the roof of Dortmund's stadium during the EM-Quarterfinals between Germany and Denmark, is already known to the police. However, not as a threat, but for trespassing. He was after photos and attention.
The man who climbed onto the roof of Dortmund's stadium during the German EM-Quarterfinals was wearing a mask and carried a larger backpack. Video recordings, published by the English newspaper "Daily Mail," show the man being arrested by the police. The officers had announced on Saturday evening after the game that it was a 21-year-old from Osnabrück.
According to reports, the man entered the roof structure of the stadium at 22:27 hours, that is, during the second half. The videos suggest that he also climbed onto the beams of the roof structure from the walkways under the stadium roof. Access to these walkways 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 access with such a bag is not normally permitted.
Man already known to police
"According to initial findings, the 21-year-old wanted, as in other places in Germany, to take photos on the roof of the stadium," the police announced on Sunday. "For this, he had a camera setup in his backpack." No danger existed for other people in the stadium at any time. The police currently rule out a political motivation. An investigation is being conducted for the offense of trespassing. It is still unclear whether he will have to pay for the police intervention.
The police reported that the man had "already in April 2022 in Herne and in May 2024 in Ulm wanted to take photos at prominent buildings in great heights." The Osnabrücker stated in interrogation at the criminal police station in the night that "he had only wanted to take 'good photos'."
The "Bild" had previously reported that the man belonged to the roofer scene. Roofers climb unsafely on high buildings, photograph themselves during the process, and publish the pictures in social media. In February, a roofer had already climbed onto the football stadium in Stuttgart. The 21-year-old is not known to have been a danger or an extremist so far.
Questions about UEFA's security concept
The German and Danish players were informed about the man on the roof construction by Michael Oliver, the referee. As the German Football Association confirmed on Sunday, Oliver informed the captains of both teams about the incident before the second half kick-off. The English referee asked Ilkay Gündoğan and Kasper Schmeichel to go to the midfield, as he himself had received a tip from a UEFA delegate. Images showed that all three looked up towards the stadium roof. The game continued without any noticeable disruption for the players.
Security forces approached the man after the final whistle and spoke to him. A helicopter also illuminated the stadium roof. In the published video, some spectator stands could be seen at the time of the arrest, and many spectators had already left the stadium.
The incident raises questions about the security concept of the EM. There have been repeated incidents during the group phase where spectators went onto the pitch to take photos with the players. During the opening game, a web video producer managed to gain access to the inner area of Munich's stadium in a "Albät" mascot costume and with a fake accreditation. The European Football Union UEFA referred to the police statement. "We have no further comment," the umbrella organization shared.
After the man's arrest, photos of the incident spread rapidly on social networks, causing a buzz among soccer fans across Europe. With the European Football Championship 2024 approaching, tight security measures will be vital to prevent such incidents at stadiums.
