They found a bomb from World War II in the Mainz stadium in Germany – – 2024-04-28 07:31:42

An unexpected discovery has altered the routine of Bundesliga team Mainz 05, finding a 500 kilogram (approximately 1,100 pound) World War II bomb near their stadium, the MEWA Arena. This situation caused a series of events that affect the normal functioning of the club, including preparation for their next crucial match against Cologne. The bomb, identified as a US Army explosive device, was found during construction work at a university near the stadium, leading to the need for controlled deactivation.

The deactivation is scheduled for this Friday, which has led to changes in the club’s agenda. “Due to the deactivation of the World War II bomb in the MEWA Arena area on Friday, our press conference will be brought forward to today at 3 PM,” the club announced on its website. Additionally, operational restrictions have been announced for that day, including the temporary closure of the stadium’s office and fan shop. This discovery is not isolated, since no more than fifteen days ago a small incendiary bomb was found and removed in the same area, without risk to the population.

Despite the initial scare, Sunday’s match between Mainz and Cologne will take place as scheduled. This game is especially crucial for Mainz, who are fighting to move away from the relegation zone, highlighting the importance of the support of their fans at the MEWA Arena. Bo Henriksen, coach of the local team since February of this year, has managed to improve the team’s situation with three wins and two draws in the last five days, although he recognizes that the road to salvation is still long. “We still have a long way to go,” he said, emphasizing the constant challenge the team faces.

Mainz 05’s situation in the table is delicate, but the next duel against Cologne, which is even more committed in the fight to avoid relegation, represents an opportunity to distance itself from dangerous positions. With four days left until the end of the tournament, the locals appear in fifteenth place with 27 points, avoiding challenging for promotion simply by having a better goal difference than Bochum. The visit, on the other hand, is in the direct relegation zone with 22 units, only surpassing Darmstadt (17). The other teams involved in this dispute are Union Berlin (29), Wolfsburg (31) and Borussia Monchengladbach (31).

Regarding security measures, specific protocols have been established, including the evacuation of some 4,600 residents around the stadium. This precautionary procedure seeks to guarantee the safety of everyone in the face of the imminent deactivation of the device.

This type of find is not uncommon in German cities, given the intensity of bombing during World War II. Construction projects in historic areas often trigger discoveries of unexploded ordnance, requiring an immediate and specialized response to ensure their safe deactivation.