Fans and journalists were denied entry to the Grand Stade Lille Métropole ahead of Russia’s Group B clash with Slovakia after what was described as a ‘security scare’.
Prevented from going into the stadium in Lille. Policeman says there has been a security scare
— Simon Mullock (@MullockSMirror) June 15, 2016
Daily Telegraph journalist Ben Rumsby has said on Twitter that it is the result of a suspect package at the stadium.
Security scare at #RUS v #SVK seems to be related to a suspect package but no sense of panic about it for the moment. #EURO2016
— Ben Rumsby (@ben_rumsby) June 15, 2016
The situation, thankfully, appears to have been resolved quickly and officials are now granting access to the stadium ahead of the 2pm kickoff.
Security at the stadium have done their best to calm everybody down, but did confirm to journalists that a suspect package was found.
Stadium official tells me: "There was a bomb alert but nothing happened so no problem." Media entrance reopened. pic.twitter.com/K8pFpAPwGF
— Ben Rumsby (@ben_rumsby) June 15, 2016
After telling journalists that “nothing happened so no problem”, the stadium has been reopened.
Security scare at Lille stadium seemingly over. Police closed entrances after suspect package found. Now open. #RUSvsSVK
— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) June 15, 2016
Russia’s time at Euro 2016 has already been marred by fan violence both in the streets and inside the stadium after the final whistle of their 1-1 draw with England on Saturday evening.
As a result, the Russians have been given a suspended disqualification from the tournament by Uefa and fined €150,000, meaning they will be kicked out of Euro 2016 should there be any more violence from their fans inside the stadiums of any of their remaining matches at the tournament.
Slovakia are looking for their first points of the tournament after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Wales on Saturday, while Russia fared slightly better having nicked a point off England with an injury time equaliser in their opening game.
