A German YouTuber said he entered the field during the opening ceremony of the European Championship dressed as a mascot, in an incident that revealed breaches in the tournament's security.
Marvin Wildhage posted a video that appears to show how he entered the Munich stadium last Friday in a fake costume and danced in a corner of the field before being carried away by a member of UEFA staff.
UEFA said in a statement: “We can confirm that there was an incident with a fake mascot costume at the match in Munich… between Germany and Scotland. Three people gained unauthorized access.”
“UEFA has assessed the situation and has initiated the necessary organizational measures. Three people have been banned from entering the stadiums where Euro 2024 matches will be held. Please understand that we cannot provide further information due to procedures of the investigating authorities”.
Wildhage said he ordered his bear costume online from China for 3,200 euros ($3,400) and created his own fake tournament credentials by copying the design from photos posted on social media by Euro 2024 employees.
The credentials failed scanning at the Allianz Arena entrance, but a security guard directed Wildhage and an associate to enter with a fake parking pass, according to the account shown in the video.
Wildhage said he was eventually detained by security after appearing at the opening ceremony, and was held in a detention camp inside the stadium before being released long after Germany's 5-1 victory over Scotland ended.
It was not the first time Wildhage pointed out security flaws during the tournament. In a previous video, he walked onto the field dressed as a player at a Germany training session last month.
The draw for December's tournament was also disrupted when groans were heard at a concert ceremony in Hamburg. A British prankster said he placed a cell phone at the location and called it to activate a ringtone.
