Borussia Dortmund bus explosions: Monaco match cancelled as Marc Bartra taken to hospital
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The Borussia Dortmund team bus after the incidentBarney Henderson 11 APRIL 2017 • 10:50PM
Three explosions hit Borussia Dortmund team bus
Centre-back Marc Bartra injured and in hospital
Match against Monaco delayed until Wednesday
Letter 'takes responsibility for the act'
Borussia Dortmund fans offer stranded Monaco supporters accommodation
Who is Marc Bartra?
Borussia Dortmund's team bus was hit by three explosions while on its way to the Champions League semi-final against Monaco on Tuesday evening, leaving one player injured in hospital.
German security sources said it was a targeted attack on the team bus, leaving the vehicle's windows shattered. Police said "serious explosive devices" were used.
A German prosecutor said a letter found near the site of the attack "takes responsibility for the act".
Police said there are high levels of security in place due to the risk of a terror attack - but that they did not want to jump to conclusions and say the Dortmund explosions was terror-related.
Germany is on high terror alert following a spate of recent attacks, several of which have been claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terror group.
Spanish international, Marc Bartra, was receiving treatment for a hand injury, while other players were left in shock.
The game was postponed to Wednesday evening, with Borussia Dortmund fans offering Monaco supporters accommodation in the city so they can watch the match. Monaco fans had chanted in solidarity with their Dortmund rivals.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, Dortmund chief executive, said: "The whole team is in a state of shock, you can't get pictures like that out of your head.
"I hope the team will be in a position to be able to compete tomorrow on the pitch.
"In a crisis situation like this, Borussia pulls together."
Lukasz Piszczek, a defender for Dortmund, said: "As we were driving alongside a number of cars, a bomb went off at the side of the road. Bartra has cast on his arm. He's in the hospital."
'We are all with Borussia Dortmund'
Angela Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, has tweeted: "Tonight we are all with Borussia Dortmund":
Gute Besserung, @MarcBartra! Große Reaktion der Monaco-Fans. Heute abend stehen alle zum @BVB.
'Targeted attack on the Dortmund team bus'
Spiegel magazine is reporting that German security sources believe it was a targeted attack on the team bus, writes Justin Huggler in Berlin.
The explosives were probably hidden in a hedge by the side of the road.
Bartra's injuries are not thought to be serious.
Lukasz Piszczek, a defender for Borussia Dortmund, told Poland's Przeglad Sportowy newspaper: "As we were driving alongside a number of cars, a bonb went off at the side of the road. Bartra has a cast on his arm. He's in the hospital."
Dortmund making efforts to help Monaco fans make it to the game tomorrow.
Dear supporters of @AS_Monaco_EN! If you need accommodation in Dortmund, please check #bedforawayfans. #bvbasm
The damaged team bus
Players after the incident:
Who is Marc Bartra, the player injured in the team bus explosion?
Bartra, 26, joined the German club last summer from Barcelona, where the Catalan had graduated from the famed La Masia academy.
The centre-back has represented Spain 13 times since his international breakthrough in 2013, and has also played five non-competitive matches for Catalonia.
Bartra has been a regular feature for Dortmund in his first season with the club, making 18 league appearances and seven more in the Champions League, scoring one goal and making three assists along the way.
Barcelona express concern for their former player, Marc Bartra
All of our support to @MarcBartra, @BVB and their fans
Solidarity shown by the Monaco fans in the stadium
Thanks for your patience and understanding and the "Dortmund! Dortmund" chants, dear supporters of @AS_Monaco_EN!
Match postponed
Officials confirm the Champions League quarter final has been postponed to Wednesday.
