Match off as blasts hit Dortmund bus
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTERS AGAINST MONACO TO BE PLAYED TODAY
pain international Marc Bartra was injured in an explosion, which hit the Borussia Dortmund team bus yesterday and which saw their Champions League game against Monaco postponed, the club has confirmed.
The 26-year-old centreback’s hand was injured and he is being treated in hospital, Dortmund’s CEO HansJoachim Watzke said.
Borussia Dortmund’s team bus was damaged following three explosions near the vehicle while it was on its way to the Champions League game, police said. The quarter-final first leg was rescheduled for today (8.45pm UAE).
“According to what is currently known, the windows of the bus were [entirely or partly] smashed and one person was injured,” Dortmund police said. The police said the incident happened in Hoechsten, located outside the city.
“It is not yet possible to say exactly what the explosion was or exactly where something exploded,” said the statement.
Not life-threatening
Dortmund said defender and Spanish international Bartra had been taken to hospital.
“All of our support to @ MarcBartra, @BVB and their fans,” Barcelona tweeted in support of their former player.
Police added: “Currently there is no evidence of a threat to the visitors at the stadium.”
Borussia Dortmund said in a statement: “Shortly after the departure of the Borussia Dortmund team bus from the hotel to the stadium there was an incident. “The bus has been damaged in two places. One person has been injured and is in the hospital. We will inform as soon as we know more.”
Dortmund Chief Executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said the injuries to the Spanish defender are “nothing lifethreatening.”
Dortmund police spokeswoman Nina Vogt says investigators do not yet know the source of the explosions.