Police reveal motive of man arrested for climbing onto roof of Dortmund stadium during Germany’s win over Denmark at Euro 2024

by Ryan Walker

16:43 30 Jun 2024, updated 19:24 30 Jun 2024

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German police have revealed the motives behind a fan’s decision to climb onto the roof of Signal Iduna Park during Germany’s 2-0 victory over Denmark in the Euro 2024 round of 16 on Saturday, leading to his arrest.

Chaos broke out after a masked man climbed onto the roof after play was suspended in the first half due to a storm near Dortmund.

Lightning strikes forced the players to leave the pitch and the fans took shelter in the stands. However, one of the fans decided to use this opportunity to climb one of the stands.

The man, who acted alone, was chased and held at gunpoint by police, then detained by authorities and led away from his supporters.

The police have already talked to the man breaking the regulations and revealed a very simple motive for his dangerous escape, which fortunately did not cause any injuries to anyone.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack, who told German police he climbed onto the roof with camera equipment to take a photo of the weather.

In a statement released on Sunday, Dortmund police confirmed that the perpetrator was questioned after his arrest and it turned out he was a photographer.

“According to preliminary findings, the 21-year-old wanted to take photos on the roof of the stadium, as he did in other places in Germany. He had photography equipment with him in a backpack.

“At no point was there any danger to other people in the stadium. The Dortmund police currently rule out a political motivation.

“Since the police were made aware of the situation at the stadium at 10:11 p.m., they were able to constantly monitor the 21-year-old and assess the situation at all times. He did not pose any threat. The police sent their own forces, drones and a helicopter to ensure continuous surveillance.

The man eventually complied with police instructions and returned to the walkway under the roof at 11:44 p.m. There, special forces arrested him, handcuffed him, and searched him. He had no dangerous items on him.

“Criminal proceedings are ongoing. During interrogation by the criminal police on Sunday evening, the man from Osnabruck stated that he only wanted to take “good photos,” the statement continues.

“He was released from custody after the preliminary investigation was completed. The investigation has not been completed yet.”

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“UEFA and Dortmund police will investigate the situation and investigate how the accused was able to enter the stadium and get to the roof without any obstacles.

“Dortmund Police are currently unable to provide any further information, including how the man gained access to the stadium and what consequences will follow from this incident.”

Footage originally captured by Mail Sport during the match shows a man walking on a beam high above the fans in the stands, many of whom were shouting at him to come down.

The man walked to the corner of the stadium roof and police tried to catch up with him. Police pulled out their guns and chased him through the rafters until the man finally relented at gunpoint.

Later, when fans were evacuated from the stadium immediately after the incident, police handcuffed him and removed his mask.

Last week, UEFA issued a statement saying security measures at home stadiums would be beefed up following a number of pitch incursions that marred the tournament – including six during Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey.

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German police were on high alert ahead of the first match of the competition two weeks ago, with particular vigilance against terrorism, travelling criminals and violent hooligans.

Last month, an article appeared in the German daily BILD stating that a total of 22,000 federal police officers would be deployed daily at borders, stadiums, public places, airports, train stations and sensitive areas of critical infrastructure.

A ban on leaves for police officers for the duration of the tournament was also introduced.

Before the incident, the stadium was packed with joyful home fans celebrating Germany’s advancement to the quarter-finals.

Julian Nagelsmann’s men had to wait for victory after the match was abandoned due to unfavorable weather conditions, including thunder and lightning, and escaped a scare with the score at 0-0 as Denmark’s opening goal was ruled offside.

Minutes after Joachim Andersen’s shot was disallowed by VAR, the player was involved in a handball incident at the other end of the pitch which resulted in Germany receiving a penalty which Kai Havertz cleared and Jamal Musiala doubled the hosts’ lead in the 68th minute.