Germany v Denmark clash delayed for 24 minutes by thunder and lightning

Germany players stand on the touchline as play is suspended due to thunder and lightning (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Germany’s Euro 2024 knockout tie with Denmark suffered a 24-minute delay due to thunder and lightning in Dortmund.

English referee Michael Oliver suspended the round-of-16 tie, which was scoreless, after 35 minutes before the weather relented.

A message on a big screen at the stadium tells fans the match has been suspended — Play was suspended after 35 minutes in Dortmund (Martin Rickett/PA)

As torrential rain fell at the Westfalenstadion, both sets of players stood at the edge of the pitch for a few moments before being led into the dressing rooms.

The round-of-16 tie began in good weather, but conditions changed as the contest went past the half-hour mark.

Rain falls from the top of a stand at the Westfalenstadion (Martin Rickett/PA)

Loud thunder bangs, lightning, heavy rain and hailstones arrived as both sets of supporters tried to protect themselves under makeshift covers.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, speaking on ITV, said: “I’m surprised it took it that long to get them off actually because there’s been some pretty nasty incidents with it.”