Germany-Holland game called off
A friendly international between Germany and the Netherlands was called off less than 90 minutes before the planned kick-off Tuesday, police said.
No official reason was given immediately for the measure.
The game was to take place four days after the terror attacks in Paris amid tight security.
The stadium was sealed off for half an hour earlier in the evening after the discovery of a suspicious suitcase.
The HDI arena and some streets in the area were closed before police said the object posed no threat.
Extra police, many armed with automatic weapons, has been deployed for the game. All available police officers were being deployed in Hanover, a police spokeswoman said without giving further details.
The German football federation (DFB) had considered calling off Tuesday's match as Germany were playing France at the Stade de France north of Paris when the attacks occurred, with three incidents taking place close to the stadium.
However, federation and team officials agreed to go ahead with the match in solidarity with France and the relatives and victims of the Paris attacks.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and several senior cabinet members had been due to attend the match at the HDI Arena.
It was the second cancellation after the Paris attacks, as Belgium's friendly with European champions Spain, also set for Tuesday, was called off late Monday.
