Tuesday’s Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Monaco was postponed after explosions occurred near Dortmund’s team bus
The team bus was hit by 3 explosions, one of which blew apart the windows of the bus. German security sources confirmed that it was an attack that was targeting Dortmund’s team bus as it made its way to Signal Iduna Park.
The team was reportedly around 6 miles away from their stadium as they were on their way for their UEFA Champions League quarter final tie against Monaco, which was later postponed to Wednesday as a result of the attack.
Bombenexplosion am Mannschaftsbus am Mannschaftshotel. Spieler in Sicherheit. Keine Gefahr im und am Stadion. Weitere Infos folgen. #bvbasm
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 11, 2017
The latest images from Dortmund where three explosions went off near the Borussia Dortmund team bus in Germany pic.twitter.com/rJz3mtJf4W
— Darren Oatway (@DarrenOatway) April 11, 2017
As you can see from the pictures above, the team bus was immediately evacuated and police were on the site within minutes. Since the incident there have been several developments regarding the shocking incident.
Marc Bartra injured in explosion and taken to the hospital, hand operated on
Marc Bartra suffered injuries to his hand in the explosion, after shards of glass from the shattered windows made contact with him.
The former Barcelona man who joined Dortmund at the start of this season has reportedly suffered a broken bone in his wrist and still has “foreign matter” in his hand according to the Tweet below and was having an operation last night.
Sascha Fligge confirms that Marc Bartra had an operation on his hand. Broken bone in his right wrist, as well as foreign matter in his arm.”
— Alex Chaffer (@AlexChaffer) April 11, 2017
Borussia Dortmund’s goalkeeper Roman Burki was seated next to Bartra when the explosions took place and speaking to the media later on, he recounted the terrifying incident and praised the police for their prompt action.
“We left the hotel at 7:15pm and just went down the street,” Burki told Blick, the German website. “The bus then turned down the main street and there was a massive explosion. I was sitting in the back row next to Marc Bartra, who was hit by fragments of broken glass.”
“After the bang, we all ducked and some threw themselves to the ground. We were unaware of what had happened, but the police were quick on the spot and we were safe. We are all in shock and no one thought about the football in his moment.”
Fans unite with several heartwarming gestures
Fans were already present in the stadium when the explosion took place and Borussia Dortmund quickly spread the word that the best way for them to keep safe was to remain in the stadium and refrain from moving out onto the streets.
This resulted in an outpouring of support from both sides of fans. Monaco fans at the stadium began singing songs in support of Dortmund after news of the incident spread and Dortmund’s official account, clearly touched by the gesture, thanked fans for their support.
This is class. Monaco fans shouting “Dortmund!” ? pic.twitter.com/IE4BuH8SXf
— Yoann (@YoannArsenal) April 11, 2017
Thanks for your patience and understanding and the “Dortmund! Dortmund” chants, dear supporters of @AS_Monaco_EN! pic.twitter.com/Gcz9XGQY0J
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 11, 2017
Dortmund fans – who have always had a reputation for being one of the best sets of fans in the world – reciprocated the gesture and several invited Monaco fans back to their homes to share a meal or even bed with them as a result of their plans going awry, with the #bedforaway fans and #tableforaway fans hashtags trending in Dortmund.
BVB and Dortmund fans create #bedforawayfans for Monaco fans who need somewhere to stop tonight.
The beautiful game.?
Football is Family! pic.twitter.com/lz5zqVlpvB
— 8 Fact Football (@8Fact_Footballl) April 11, 2017
Dear supporters of @AS_Monaco_EN! If you need accommodation in Dortmund, please check #bedforawayfans. #bvbasm
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 11, 2017
An incident like this does not always bring out the most positive reactions so it is always reassuring to see such wonderful gestures between both sets of fans at a time when confusion and fear are spreading throughout the city. Football fans everywhere can learn from the beautiful example set by Monaco and Dortmund fans.
Dortmund’s match against Monaco has been moved to Wednesday night
Borussia Dortmund’s fixture against Monaco is the last thing on everyone’s mind as the safety of the people and players are paramount with a football match quite simply insignificant in comparison to the people.
However, after meeting with Monaco and UEFA officials, all parties agreed to move the scheduled Champions League match to Wednesday night with both teams agreeing to soldier on and give the travelling fans the fixture they wanted.
With security forces on high alert there will be no danger to the fans and it is admirable of both sets of players as well as their fans to play on despite the multitude of distractions an incident like this brings, not to mention the way it will have affected the mindset of the players.
Dortmund’s police exemplary
Borussia Dortmund’s police force handled the incident with exemplary skill and in a highly professional manner. The police quickly handled an organised, well-guided evacuation of Signal Iduna Park and actively tweeted information as they received it, to ensure that rumours did not spiral the incident out of control.
They were also on the scene almost immediately and ensured the safety of the players and staff. It was perfectly handled and just goes to show how a well-trained force can significantly limit the amount of fear, damage and chaos there can be after an incident like this.
Who is responsible and what caused the explosion? Letter found claiming reponsibility
German security sources confirmed their suspicions that the attack was specifically targeted at the Dortmund team bus and also confirmed that three “serious explosive devices” were used in the attack.
There were reports the devices, which were concealed in a hedge, could have been detonated by a mobile phone or a garage door-opening device. A letter claiming responsibility for the attack was later found near the site of the explosion.
The thoughts of the entire football community will be with the city of Dortmund and we can only hope that the perpetrators are quickly found and brought to justice as an incident like this has no place in human society, not just football.
We also wish Marc Bartra a speedy recovery and look forward to watching the brilliant Spaniard play football once more.
