Explosions targeted football team’s bus
GERMANY: German Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund’s team bus was the target of an attack in three explosions ahead of their Champions League tie against Monaco yesterday.
‘‘At the present moment it is still unclear what the concrete background is to this act,’’ Dortmund police chief Gregor Lange said.
The devices exploded as the team bus left the squad’s hotel some two hours ahead of the firstleg quarter-final match.
A note claiming responsibility for the attack was found near the scene and its authenticity was being ‘‘intensively examined’’, prosecutor Sandra Luecke said.
Dortmund’s Spanish defender Marc Bartra was taken to hospital with a fracture to his right wrist and several injuries to an arm, Dortmund spokesman Sasche Fligge said.
The match was postponed and rescheduled for today, ahead of two other ties including fellow German side Bayern Munich against holders Real Madrid.
The nature of the explosive devices was not immediately known, but it is believed they could have been placed in a hedge near the hotel car park.
The incident occurred about 7.15pm local time about 10 kilometres from the club’s stadium, as the Dortmund squad left the team hotel for the stadium. Police said there were three separate explosions, bursting one of the vehicle’s windows.
Among international solidarity, English Premier League side Liverpool, managed by former Borussia coach Juergen Klopp tweeted: ‘‘Thinking about all of our friends at @BVB this evening. YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone). – DPA