THIS is the shocking moment a giant swarm of bees looking for a new home invaded a Euro 2024 stadium.
Sharp-eyed officials spotted the swarm nesting near an LED advertising board just hours before Germany and Hungary clash in Stuttgart.
But trained firefighters had to race to the Stuttgart Arena around 3pm Tuesday to tackle the swarm of bees.
The honey-producing insects had built a nest inside an advertising board by the side of the pitch.
Officers from Stuttgart’s fire brigade raced to the scene, wearing protective white suits, boots and masks.
Pictures showed the firefighters in specialist bee-keeping equipment helping to transfer the swarm to temporary hives.
They managed to remove the bees after an hour’s patient and delicate work and handed over to an experienced beekeeper, Bild reports.
It was the second time the nectar-loving nuisances had set up home in the Stuttgart Arena in a month.
A fire brigade spokesman said: “The digital advertising board had to be partly dismantled to get the bees out.
“A member of the stadium’s technical staff supported us in our efforts.
“The bees had to move house once again, just like they did in May when VfB Stuttgart played Bayern Munich.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“On that occasion a swarm of them arrived in the stadium.
“Luckily no fixtures were scheduled for the Stuttgart Arena on the Tuesday.
“At no time were players or spectators put in danger.”
BBC pundits were attacked by hornets during the half-time break of England’s win over Serbia.
Germany head into their second Euro 2024 group stage as the most in-form team of the tournament – but today’s opposition will not be easy.
The hosts hammered Scotland 5-1 to lay down a marker to their rivals.
Meanwhile, Hungary were beaten 3-1 by Switzerland in their very first match of the tournament.
Germany showed ruthless all-out attack against Scotland with Jamal Musiala the star man.
But Arsenal‘s Kai Havertz also got a goal and assist to give him the perfect start to the tournament.
Germany have failed to hit the same heights of their 2014 World Cup win in recent tournaments following a transitional period.
But they look to have come out the other end of it with a fearsome mix of experience and prospect.
Ex-Chelsea centre-back and two-time Champions League winner Antonio Rudiger at the heart of defence and former Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
Hungary have it all to do to pull of what would be a remarkable upset but their form heading into the Euros offered some hope.
But if the opening match is anything to go by, Germany are in no mood to show mercy.
Here's how each channel will line-up:
BBC presenters:
Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
ITV presenters:
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
BBC pundits:
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
ITV pundits:
Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
BBC commentators:
Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
ITV commentators:
Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
BBC co-commentators:
Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
ITV co-commentators:
Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend
