European Football Championship
The storm in Germany has not spared the German European Championship round of 16 either. The game in Dortmund has to be interrupted. The fans’ mood is nevertheless relaxed.
Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
Germany’s European Championship round of 16 match against Denmark in Dortmund was interrupted for a good 25 minutes on Saturday evening due to a heavy storm. Referee Michael Oliver sent both teams off the pitch in the 35th minute of the game as lightning, thunder and rain swept across the Dortmund stadium.
At 9:59 p.m. and after a short warm-up phase, the Englishman blew the whistle to restart the game. This was a “joint decision with the Danes and the referees,” the German Football Association announced.
The mood of the more than 60,000 fans in the mostly covered stands remained relaxed during the break. “Due to bad weather conditions, the game has been interrupted,” was displayed on the video wall. The players went to the changing rooms.
A heavy rain shower fell over the stadium. Referee expert Patrick Ittrich told MagentaTV: “The protection of the players and spectators is the top priority. There is no time limit for how long the break will last. We will wait until the storm is over.”
During the break, the fans occasionally sang: “Oh, how beautiful it is.” Staff members swept into a drain at the edge of the pitch, several Danish fans danced in the rainwater falling from the roof. Numerous supporters tried to protect themselves from the rain with flags or banners they had brought with them.
