Bundesliga Match Canceled Just Before Final Whistle!
In a surprising turn of events, the Bundesliga match scheduled to take place at Volksparkstadion was canceled shortly before kickoff. The game, featuring Hamburger SV against Bayer Leverkusen, was set to begin at 20:30 local time on a Tuesday evening. This decision came from the German Football League (DFL) only two and a half hours before the match, due to safety concerns related to melting ice on the stadium roof.
Reasons for the Cancellation
The primary concern leading to the match’s cancellation was the risk of structural failure due to the accumulated water from melting ice. The DFL, in an official statement, cited “weather-related static risks” regarding the stadium’s roof as crucial factors. As a result, the Volksparkstadion was closed for safety.
Hamburger SV’s Statement
Hamburger SV acknowledged the abruptness of the cancellation and explained that snow and ice removal operations had been ongoing since the previous week. However, an unexpected warm spell on Tuesday afternoon caused significant changes to the conditions. Water pooled on the roof due to melting snow, creating dangerous pressure points.
Travel Implications for Fans and Teams
- Bayer Leverkusen’s team is scheduled to fly back home on the same evening.
- A special train carrying approximately 700 fans was set to make the return journey before the match start time.
Previous Cancellations
This match cancellation continues a trend in the Bundesliga, where extreme weather conditions have affected several games. Earlier, the match involving FC St. Pauli and RB Leipzig was also called off. Additionally, the weekend saw the postponement of the Werder Bremen versus Hoffenheim match due to similar weather challenges in northern Germany.
Potential Rescheduling
Discussions regarding a rescheduled date for the match between Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen are already underway. February 10 or 11 has been proposed as possible alternative dates.
