International Soccer Match In Germany Canceled Due To Security Reasons
Update: 3:48 pm EST
The particular threat of a truck bomb disguised as an ambulance outside of the HDI Arena, though widely reported by local outlets, has not been confirmed by German authorities.
Police in Hannover: 'There were concrete plans to bring about an explosion' (via @SkySportNewsHD) — Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) November 17, 2015
Local police chief Volker Kluwe said there were "concrete" threats for an attack at the stadium in Hannover. No explosives have been found nor have any arrests been made, according to Reuters.
BREAKING: German official says no explosives found and no arrests made in Hanover. https://t.co/tVpOcjqQZi — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) November 17, 2015
Update: 2:40 pm EST
Multiple German outlets reported the nature of the threat German police discovered outside the HDI Arena in Hannover.
BREAKING: Reports that German police have discovered a truck bomb disguised as an ambulance near football stadium in Hanover. #GERNED — DW Sports (@dw_sports) November 17, 2015
A high-profile international soccer match between Germany and the Netherlands was canceled by German police for security reasons, according to the Associated Press.
The exhibition, which was set to kick off at 2:45 pm EST, was abandoned and announcements from the HDI Arena in Hannover told fans to leave.
DEVELOPING: The Germany-Netherlands friendly is cancelled after stadium was evacuated prior to kickoff. pic.twitter.com/6uNPYT3riN — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 17, 2015
The Guardian indicated a suspicious object was found in the stadium, prompting an evacuation of fans at the venue.
Outside the HDI Arena in Hannover. Police asking people to move away from the stadium [Bild] pic.twitter.com/yEijFSsQR2 — Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) November 17, 2015
The Guardian cited a police announcement that reportedly stated,
[Fans should leave] quickly, but should go without panic back home. Please go in small groups back home, it’s better this way.
The game's cancelation occurred in conjunction with the cancelation of a different high profile event in the same town.
Concert Hall in Hannover now being evacuated after the Germany v Holland game was cancelled. 'Suspicious people' in the area — Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) November 17, 2015
German Chancellor Angela Merkel was scheduled to attend the match.
