Germany were rocked by a security threat in the aftermath of their friendly with Ukraine at the Max-Morlock-Stadion on Monday night as fans were reportedly locked in the venue for around an hour after the final whistle.
Germany and Ukraine played out a 0-0 draw at the stadium in Nuremberg as both teams continued their preparations for Euro 2024.
Defences prevailed in the lacklustre affair as the two managers each made six substitutions to ensure they were able to get a glimpse of 17 of their stars in action.
According to German outlet BZ, police information initially revealed that an abandoned suitcase had been found outside the stadium.
And an announcement inside the venue 45 minutes after full-time warned supporters: “Everyone should stay in the stadium.”
A second announcement then explained: “To all persons in the stadium, we are aware of a concrete dangerous situation in the outdoor area, which we take very seriously.”
Later on, supporters were then told: “We want everyone to come home healthy tonight. Therefore, we ask for your patience at the moment and ask you to stay in the stadium until further notice for your own safety. We will inform you as soon as we have more information.”
Police eventually gave stadium chiefs the all-clear 15 minutes later, with a police spokesperson saying: “It turned out that there was no danger at any time. They can go home.”
German chancellor Olaf Scholz had already left the stadium by the time the first announcement was read out, but the players were still in the dressing room and were banned from leaving the arena. And Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann even took the opportunity to sign autographs.
Meanwhile, interviews with German stars Waldemar Anton and Manuel Neuer were initially shelved, with the Bayern Munich goalkeeper later explaining; “We deal with it in such a way that we adhere to the instructions of the security staff. We have to wait and see. I think those responsible will make the right decisions.”
Germany are among the favourites to lift the Euro 2024 trophy after automatically qualifying for the tournament as host nation and have been drawn alongside Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.
The four-time World Cup winners were dumped out at the last 16 stage at Euro 2020 after reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2016.
They last won the European Championship in 1996 after defeating the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium following a semi-final penalty shootout victory over England. And they also won the 1972 edition of the tournament in Belgium and the 1980 edition in Italy.
Nagelsmann’s side could even face England in the competition, with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate confirming his final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 on Thursday.
