Germany vs. Netherlands match called off before kickoff in Hannover http://www.espnfc.com/germany/story/2715426/germany-vs-netherlands-match-called-off-before-kickoff Tuesday's game between Germany and Netherlands was cancelled shortly before it was set to begin after a suspicious object was found at the stadium in Hannover.
A stadium announcement said the game had been cancelled with fans already arriving at the HDI-Arena. Policeman Joerg Hoffmeister told The Associated Press that everyone inside had to be evacuated after the as-yet unidentified object was found.
Police said they believed there was a "concrete terror threat" at the stadium, four days after Germany's game against France was attacked as part of the events in Paris last week.
"A bomb attack was planned inside the stadium," Hannover police president Volker Kluwe said. "We want to avoid crowds of people, also at stations. That's why we have requested everyone go home."
Most fans were still waiting outside when the order to evacuate came about an hour and a half before kickoff.
A police spokesperson told Bild: "The match has been cancelled. Spectators are being asked right now to leave the stadium quickly, but without panic."
A spokesperson for the German Football Association (DFB) said the organisation was unaware of the events before arriving at the site.
"Police redirected us on our way to the stadium, we are now at a safe location. We can't say more right now," Jens Grittner said.
About an hour earlier, police had briefly sealed off the stadium after reports of a suspicious suitcase. People were not let into the stadium about two and a half hours before the kickoff.
Police then opened the doors and fans started coming in. After the cancellation announcement, the stadium was evacuated for a second time.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and several cabinet ministers had been expected to attend the match.
Germany were playing France in a friendly during the attacks on Friday. The game was played to its conclusion after suicide bombers sought unsuccessfully to enter the Stade de France and blew themselves up outside.
On Monday, Belgian officials cancelled another friendly set for Tuesday, Belgium's home game against Spain in Brussels, because of security concerns.
球迷已經開始入場之後，發現可疑物品取消……
