How the Football World Reacted to Borussia Dortmund Bus Attack

President of Borussia Dortmund Reinhard Rauball on the pitch at Signal Iduna Park, Germany, April 11.
President of Borussia Dortmund Reinhard Rauball on the pitch at Signal Iduna Park, Germany, April 11. The Champions League tie between Dortmund and AS Monaco was postponed after Dortmund's team bus was hit by explosions. Ralph Orlowski/Reuters

The world of football reacted swiftly on Tuesday evening after Borussia Dortmund's team bus was attacked on its way to Signal Iduna Park for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against AS Monaco.

Three explosive devices were detonated, according to Dortmund police, damaging the team's bus in two separate places. German prosecutors are investigating a letter found close to the scene, according to the BBC, reportedly referencing the Berlin market attack of December 2016 and Western involvement in Syria.

Dortmund's official website announced Marc Bartra, the club's Spanish defender, had surgery on a broken arm on Tuesday night and to clear debris from his hand after he was injured in what German police are describing as a " targeted attack."

Here is how football reacted to the news.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the former Dortmund and now Manchester United player, said Wednesday morning he was "deeply shocked" by the explosions.

Deeply shocked by the explosions last night in Dortmund. Sending my support to @BVB , the fans & wishing a speedy recovery to @MarcBartra pic.twitter.com/KZZx8MKG0J

— Henrikh Mkhitaryan (@HenrikhMkh) April 12, 2017

Barcelona, the former club of Marc Bartra who was injured in the attack, was quick to send its support on Tuesday evening.

All of our support to @MarcBartra, @BVB and their fans

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 11, 2017

Manchester United said it was "sending support" to Dortmund.

We're sending our support to our friends at @BVB tonight. ✊ pic.twitter.com/QAAVtzjE4I

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 11, 2017

Bayern Munich, Dortmund's Bundesliga rival which plays Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, sent support on Tuesday night.

We'd like to extend our best wishes to @MarcBartra and @BVB! pic.twitter.com/5CLxNxT6ei

— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 11, 2017

Leicester City, meanwhile, sent out a similar message of support to Dortmund and Bartra. Leicester faces Atletico Madrid at Vicente Calderon stadium on Wednesday evening in its own UEFA Champions League quarterfinal and reportedly had extra security, including an armed escort, on its way back from training on Tuesday evening.

Everyone at #lcfc sends our support to @MarcBartra and @BVB tonight.

— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 11, 2017

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Sportswriter at Newsweek.

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go