Friendly match between Germany and the Netherlands cancelled due to terrorist threats.

(Baonghean.vn) - On the evening of November 17th, about 15 minutes before kick-off, the organizers decided to cancel the friendly match between Germany and the Netherlands in Hanover due to anonymous bomb threats.

According to the head of the Hanover police force, the friendly match between Germany and the Netherlands, scheduled for the evening of November 17th at the Hanover stadium, was canceled due to "an explosive device being placed inside the Hanover stadium." It was German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere who requested the cancellation, citing "serious plans to detonate something."

Police search for a suspicious package on Hanover Stadium grounds, November 17. Photo: AP

Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that the decision to cancel the friendly match between Germany and the Netherlands was a difficult one, but it had to be made after numerous reports indicated the existence of a specific risk.

Following the attacks in Paris on the evening of November 13th, Thomas de Maiziere affirmed that "high risks exist in Germany and throughout Europe." In this context, Maiziere's top priority remains protecting the safety of the population.

However, at the end of the search at the Hanover stadium, police announced they found no explosive devices or arrested any suspects. It is understood that the information about the threat during the friendly match between Germany and the Netherlands came from a foreign source.

Also on November 17th, police discovered a suspicious package near Hanover station, causing the station to be partially closed.

Another performance by the band Sohne Mannheims in Hanover was canceled and evacuated following threats spread on social media.

In light of the above situation, at 8:45 PM, German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a meeting with key ministers.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde)