Klopp’s Press Conference Called Off After Bomb Discovery

An unexploded Second World War bomb was found close to Borussia Dortmund ground, according to Germany’s international broadcaster DW.

The 550lb device reportedly of British origin was discovered on a construction site in the vicinity of Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park on Thursday morning.

The finding came hours before Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp was due to have his press conference ahead of Saturday’s derby against Schalke 04.

Jurgen Klopp Was Due for His Pre-Game Press Conference Before the DIscovery of Unexploded Device. Image: Getty.
Jurgen Klopp Was Due for His Pre-Game Press Conference Before the DIscovery of Unexploded Device. Image: Getty.

Everyone living within 250m radius of the bomb site as well as those in the stadium was evacuated.

“It is not yet known how long the stadium area will remain off limits,” Dortmund said in a statement.

The bomb was unearthed following viewing of aerial photograph. Plans to dispose and defuse the explosive device are expected to be carried out on Thursday afternoon.

Several million tonnes of bombs were dropped in Germany during the war by Allied and Soviet forces. The city of Dortmund was heavily hit during bombing raids.