Security Breach During Euro 2024 Match in Dortmund
Incident Details
On Saturday evening, a 21-year-old man from Osnabrück climbed onto the roof of the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund during the round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark in Euro 2024. The incident occurred around 10:27 p.m., just as the second half was about to begin. The man was masked and carried a large backpack, causing immediate concern among the spectators and officials.
Police Response and Arrest
Referee Michael Oliver noticed the man on the roof and pointed it out before restarting the second half. The police quickly set up a route to safely arrest the individual. The man was taken into custody at 11:43 p.m. after the match concluded. A video from the Daily Mail shows the man moving around on the roof before being apprehended. Although the man's motive remains unclear, initial reports suggest he did not intend to harm the spectators.
Implications for Security
The incident has raised significant questions about the security measures in place for the European Championship. Despite the man's presence, the match continued without disruption, and the German and Danish players were informed of the situation. The German Football Association confirmed that referee Michael Oliver communicated the events to the team captains. The police reports and subsequent investigations will likely lead to a review and tightening of security protocols for future matches.
- The incident also highlighted the role of the video assistant referee (VAR) in the match. Germany secured their quarter-final spot with a 2-0 victory over Denmark, thanks to goals from Havertz and Musiala. The match experienced a half-hour suspension due to a heavy storm, and VAR played a crucial role in disallowing goals from both teams for various infractions.
- The security breach is not an isolated incident; there have been multiple security lapses during the group phase of the tournament. Spectators have previously managed to get onto the pitch to take photos with players, and in one instance, a web video producer gained access to the Munich stadium using fake accreditation. UEFA has yet to provide a detailed comment on the incident, referring only to the police statement.
