SPORT | Football
German football shocked after attack on Dortmund team bus injures player
Dortmund (Germany), April 12: German football reacted with shock and solidarity after the Borussia Dortmund team bus was attacked forcing their Champions League match against Monaco to be called off on Tuesday.
Dortmund’s bus was en route to the stadium for the quarterfinal first-leg, when it was hit by three blasts.
The blasts shattered the vehicle’s windows and left defender Marc Bartra with a broken wrist that later needed surgery. Police have not said who was behind the attack. Manchester City’s exDortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan tweeted to his former teammates: “I can’t believe it, I hope you are all okay.”
Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Dortmund’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, offered their best wishes. “Our whole support for @BVB and we wish @MarcBartra a speedy recovery,” tweeted the Italian. The official Twitter account of the German Football Association echoed Ancelotti’s sentiments: “We wish @MarcBartra all the best and a speedy recovery.”
Spanish international Javi Martinez, who plays for Bayern, hoped Bartra would be fit to play in the match rescheduled for Wednesday night.
Dortmund’s archrivals Schalke also offered well wishes. “Divided in our colours, united against violence!,” wrote Schalke captain Benedikt Hoewedes on Twitter. “All the best, Marc Bartra and the whole Borussia Dortmund team. I hope you are all okay.”
Schalke’s exGermany international Gerald Asamoah tweeted: “Unbelievable... In hours like these all of us in football must stand together. Get well soon.”