Former Bundesliga side Schalke issued a statement after a man was found dead inside the stadium, even though the arena had not played a game in a week.
A man’s body was found inside Schalke’s Veltins Arena (Image: Getty Images)
German club FC Schalke have confirmed that an investigation has been launched after a man’s body was found at their stadium. The 65-year-old man was found by a cleaning worker in a toilet at Vertins Arena on Thursday.
The discovery was made during a routine inspection of toilet facilities and the police were notified. Authorities quickly arrived and cordoned off the area while an investigation began.
Germany’s Bild newspaper reported that the man was believed to have suffered a medical attack before collapsing. It was also reported that he attended an event at the stadium on Wednesday, but was found the next day.
There is currently no suggestion of criminal involvement, but questions are being asked as to why no one noticed the man was missing until his body was discovered the next day. The man was reportedly a local resident of Gelsenkirchen.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
Schalke’s statement regarding the incident said: “FC Schalke 04 expressed deep regret on Thursday at the news that a deceased person was found in the toilet at the Veltins Arena. Schalke 04 expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”
“An investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing and the club has contacted the relevant law enforcement authorities.
“Therefore, Schalke 04 will not be releasing any further information at this time. The club is using all available means to assist the relevant authorities in their investigation.”
Schalke confirmed that an investigation has been launched (Image: Getty Images)
Schalke currently leads German football’s second tier after being relegated from the Bundesliga in 2023. They have not played a home game since Sunday, April 19, when they won 4-1 against Prussia Munster.
They play away to Paderborn this weekend, before returning to the Veltins Arena a week later when they host Düsseldorf. The German side has one more home game left this season, with a match against Eintracht Braunschweig scheduled on the final day.
Schalke have been at their current home since August 2001, previously playing at the Parkstadion. Currently, the stadium’s capacity is 62,271 people.
Four matches were held at the 2024 European Championship, including a group showdown between England and Serbia, a showdown between Spain and Italy, and a match between Georgia and Portugal. England then returned to the Vertins Arena, where the Three Lions defeated Slovakia.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.
Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of them live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.
