A security scandal has unfolded at EURO 2024 as a YouTuber disguised himself as the tournament’s mascot and sneaked onto the stadium premises to “perform.” The incident has further exacerbated security concerns at EURO 2024.
Marvin Wildhage disguised as the fake mascot
Imagine the potential consequences if a terrorist carrying explosives had managed to infiltrate a stadium full of spectators at EURO 2024. However, an unbelievable security breach occurred when a YouTuber dressed as the mascot managed to sneak into the EURO 2024 opening match between Germany and Scotland.
According to Bild, YouTuber Marvin Wildhage was promptly arrested by German police for using fake credentials and wearing the costume of Albart, the official EURO 2024 mascot, to gain entry to the stadium.
Marvin, who has 871,000 subscribers on YouTube and had previously studied at the Axel Springer Journalism Academy, drove to the Allianz Arena with two other men. Despite having no official duties, all three confidently entered the stadium.
According to reports, they rented a black VW bus and decorated it with logos of Volkswagen, the tournament sponsor, and the German Football Association (DFB). They also had the bus adorned with the words “Volkswagen Mobile Service,” successfully deceiving security personnel. While Wildhage and his companion entered the stadium, the driver left immediately.
Marvin Wildhage banned from EURO 2024 stadiums
Marvin Wildhage banned from EURO 2024 stadiums
What’s even more alarming is that this YouTuber, dressed in the colorful Albart mascot costume, stood alongside filmmakers in the fan zone until a UEFA staff member grew suspicious. Immediately, stadium police intervened and apprehended the “fake” mascot.
Counterfeit documents, recording equipment, and the Albart mascot costume were confiscated. The Munich prosecutor’s office is currently finalizing the investigation into Wildhage for forgery, fraud, and unauthorized entry.
Following the security breach, Munich police have shifted responsibility to UEFA and the EURO 2024 organizing committee while absolving themselves. “This clearly indicates a failure on the part of UEFA and the EURO 2024 committee in ensuring security,” a police officer told Bild. Meanwhile, UEFA officials stated, “UEFA has assessed the situation and implemented necessary security measures. The three individuals involved have been banned from EURO 2024 stadiums.”
It’s worth noting that security at EURO 2024 remains on high alert after German police were forced to shoot a man wielding an axe who attacked officers near the Fan Zone in Hamburg. This serious incident occurred just hours before the Netherlands secured a 2-1 victory over Poland in Group D at EURO 2024. Specifically, German police shot and injured a man who threatened them with an axe and homemade bombs in Hamburg.
Earlier, German police fatally shot an Afghan national after he killed a compatriot and severely wounded two others at the EURO 2024 opening celebration.
Spending 3,200 euros on a “fake” costume
According to Marvin Wildhage, he spent 3,200 euros to purchase the “fake” mascot costume. Wildhage also searched social media posts to determine the colors of the straps and QR codes used by EURO’s official staff to replicate them.
Marvin Wildhage cải trang thành linh vật giả
