Germany, Netherlands friendly called off due to security concerns

Security personnel outside the HDI Arena in Hanover which was to host the Germany, Netherlands game

The International friendly between Germany and the Netherlands which was scheduled to take place at the HDI Arena in Hanover on Tuesday night has been cancelled and the stadium has been evacuated for security reasons reports Eurosport.

The match has been called off just two hours before kick-off. Journalists attending the game have reported on social media that they have been asked to leave the stadium

It has been confirmed by the local police that the match between the two nations has been called off. No official reason has been provided for the cancellation of the game.

This comes in the backdrop of the horrific terror attacks that struck Paris which saw 129 innocent civilians lose their lives just four days ago. European countries have been on high alert since the Paris carnage.

The police outside the HDI Arena in Hannover are seen asking people to move away from the stadium [via @BILD_Sport] pic.twitter.com/8he3nlqdn0

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) November 17, 2015

Local media now reporting that an ambulance has been found abandoned with explosives attached next to the ground. #GERNED

— Kristian Sturt (@FootieWriter) November 17, 2015

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was set to attend the game along with other government ministers in a show of solidarity with the French.

It has been reported that German contingent were initially reluctant to take part in tonight’s friendly after they had to endure a testing situation as they were holed up at the Stade de France after the game against France following the attacks in the French capital four days ago.

It was only later on that Germany agreed to go ahead with the friendly in an effort to display solidarity with the French.

Former Dutch International Ruud Gullit was present in the stadium.

I am now on the stadium of #hannover for the game #germany-#holland. They just suspended the game and are goin... https://t.co/9SZR7lDDIs

— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) November 17, 2015

England scout Alan Cork is also present in Hannover. Here's what he had to say:

Can't believe this trying to get into stadium, game off as police find bag inside, back to hotel quickly

— Alan Cork (@alancorky) November 17, 2015

The local media reveal that an ambulance has been spotted with explosives attached next to the ground. The German national team were not present in the stadium, but now have been taken away to an unconfirmed location.