During the Euro 2024 last-16 game between Germany and Denmark at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, a flash of lightning forced the players off the pitch. Referee Michael Oliver made the decision to halt play in the 36th minute with the score at 0-0. The players left the field as lightning continued to flash in the sky, creating adverse conditions due to a huge thunderstorm.
As heavy rain drenched the pitch, water cascaded down one corner of the stadium roof near the Denmark supporters. A notice displayed on the stadium screens informed the fans that the match had been suspended due to the adverse weather conditions. Spectators were left waiting for further information on when the game would resume.
After a 25-minute delay, the match finally continued. However, people in the city’s fan zones had to be evacuated for safety reasons. Police announced that public viewing in areas such as the Peace Square and Westfalenpark in Dortmund had been cancelled during the thunderstorm. Despite the interruption, the players eventually returned to finish the game in front of the fans who had patiently waited for the action to resume.