The Euro 2024 match between Germany and Denmark had to be suspended on Saturday as a result of adverse weather conditions in Dortmund.
The game was paused during the first half as thunder and lightning was heard and seen close to Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park.
Referee Michael Oliver halted the action and took the players to the touchline, while consulting with competition officials over the best course of action. He then led an exodus from the pitch and dugouts down the tunnel.
The Sporting News explains what happened.
Germany vs. Denmark has been temporarily suspended due to a thunderstorm. pic.twitter.com/ZywIB7zbnX
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 29, 2024
MORE: Germany vs. Denmark LIVE updates from Dortmund in Euro 2024
Why was Germany vs. Denmark Euro 2024 game suspended?
The Euro 2024 Round of 16 game between Germany and Denmark had to be suspended due to the risks posed by a storm breaking in the local area in Dortmund, Germany.
Thunder and lightning preceded rain and then hail. Water could be seen pouring in torrents from the stadium roof after players and staff had been led inside.
The game, which was 0-0 at the time, eventually resumed after a lengthy stoppage once the danger of the storm subsided.
Within 15 minutes, the players were allowed back out onto the pitch for a five-minute warm-up, before the resumption of the game. The match restarted with Toni Kroos in possession for Germany — the hosts had the ball when the game was halted — with the clock resuming at 34:55.
These lightning strikes over Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund 😳⚡️ pic.twitter.com/4225PIlhm4
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 29, 2024
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Does the clock stop in a weather delay in a soccer match?
Many fans noticed that, even after play had been suspended, the match clock did not stop.
TV broadcasters, including FOX in the United States, had the clock continue to run in their scoreboard graphic even as the players left the pitch following the pause in the game.
However, this was likely more of an issue with television graphics. The official match clock was halted when play was suspended and then it resumed at 34:55.
Who is Germany vs. Denmark referee at Euro 2024?
Michael Oliver is the referee for the Round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark.
The Englishman, who has extensive experience in the Premier League, led a team of mostly English officials for the fixture in Dortmund, including Stuart Attwell on VAR.
