Matches to resume as scheduled in both German and UEFA competitions
KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: All matches in the German leagues and European club competitions will go as scheduled in the wake of the Paris terror attacks and the short-notice cancellations of two international friendlies last night.
Belgium’s game against Spain in Brussels was scrapped after intense police activity in the suburb of Molenbeek while Germany’s game against Holland was called off only 90 minutes before kick-off.
The cause of the Germany-Holland cancellation in Hannover remains uncertain amid reports that the Interior Ministry had received a tip-off from the French security services. Fans were evacuated from the stadium and the German team bus was diverted by police while en route to the ground.
Chancellor Angela Merkel had been scheduled to attend the game.
Statements issued independently by the German league and by European federation UEFA clarified that competitive football would resume as scheduled.
UEFA, looking towards its Champions League and Europa League matches next week, said: “All matches are scheduled to go ahead as planned.
“UEFA has very strict rules regarding safety and security in relation to the organisation of matches and is working closely with the home clubs and local authorities to ensure all necessary measures are implemented to guarantee safety for all involved.
“UEFA has not issued directives about travelling fans, it is up to the relevant authorities to decide on such matters.”
Champions schedule
Next week’s Champions League programme includes Bayern Munich at home to Olympiacos and Lyon hosting Gent on Tuesday and Borussia Monchengladbach meeting Sevilla on Wednesday.
The German league issued its own “normal service” orders, saying “there will be no changes to the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 match schedule for the coming weekend.”
Hannover will play home on Friday night to Hertha Berlin.
Reinhard Rauball, the DFB’s interim joint president, said: “The local security agencies will be making decisions on the necessary safety precautions and, to this end, will be consulting closely with the responsible state and federal authorities.
“As it is, the host clubs maintain close relations with the responsible government authorities ahead of all encounters to ensure an immediate response and the distribution of any relevant information in the interests the greatest possible safety.
“We have great confidence in the federal and state security authorities. On the one hand, we do not want to succumb to terror. Yet, on the other, top priority must be given to protecting human life.”
Roger Lewentz, the chairman of the conference of German state ministers, issued an appeal to fans to avoid the usual practice of trying to smuggle fireworks into the stadia.
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