Footballer hurt as blast rocks Dortmund’s bus

germany: Police say three explosions occurred forcing match with Monaco to be postponed

Borussia Dortmund’s team bus was the victim of what was believed to be a targeted bomb attack last night before the Champions League clash with Monaco.

Three explosions around the team bus left defender Marc Bartra in hospital, where he required an operation for a broken bone in his right wrist.

The incidents occurred as the squad left their hotel en route to the Signal Iduna Park stadium for the first leg of the quarter-final tie, which was swiftly postponed.

Police chief Gregor Lange said: “This evening at 19:15 there were three explosions in the surroundings of the BVB (Borussia Dortmund) hotel.

“We must start from (the position this was) a targeted attack on BVB’s team. Strong police forces are in operation.”

Dortmund police also revealed a letter had been found, claiming responsibility for the incidents.

The police earlier said in a statement that the explosives “may have been hidden in a hedge near a parking lot”.

In a statement, AS Monaco said: “Faced with this difficult situation, AS Monaco wishes to express its full support to the Borussia Dortmund team and all the components of the club.”

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “I was deeply disturbed by the explosions which occurred in Dortmund.

“The decision taken to postpone the Uefa Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco was the correct one since we must always prioritise the safety and security of all fans, team officials and players.”

The Dortmund players returned to their hotel following the explosions.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “The thoughts of every one of us at Fifa are with the people of Dortmund, and the fans of both Borussia Dortmund and Monaco following today’s troubling events.

“We are closely monitoring the condition of BVB’s Marc Bartra, and wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries.

“Fifa condemn the incidents in Dortmund.

“We are all awaiting further details of the incident.”

Picture: AP. The damaged Borussia Dortmund team bus after the explosion.

Pictures: Getty/AP. Top: concerned fans in the stadium before Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League game with Monaco was postponed. Above: Marc Bartra was injured in the blast that hit the team bus.