Ahead of Portugal vs Iceland, stadium evacuated due to false alarm

The Euro 2016 stadium in St Etienne was evacuated on Tuesday, hours before Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal take on Iceland because of a false alarm, French police told AFP.

The Euro 2016 stadium in St Etienne was evacuated on Tuesday, hours before Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal take on Iceland because of a false alarm, French police told AFP.

Police patrol the perimeter walking behind Icelandic football fans outside the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne prior to the match between Portugal and Iceland. (AFP Photo)

Two officials confirmed the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard had been temporary cleared of all staff and spectators, who were allowed back into the ground after the all-clear was given around three hours before the 2100 (1900 GMT) kick-off.

Officials said the incident was down to an alarm being triggered by accident.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said before the tournament got underway that the presence of three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo made Portugal a potential target for terror attacks.

Ronaldo will attempt to become the first man to score in four different Euros against minnows Iceland, who are making their debut in a major tournament.