Police in Germany escorted three men out of the Veltins-Arena stadium after they reportedly assaulted a Schalke 04 employee following a pre-season match against Real Madrid in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, August 16. The individuals had attempted to reach the locker rooms by claiming to be cousins of Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler.
German newspaper Bild reported that the trio arrived in the restricted corridor leading to the team dressing rooms 25 minutes after the final whistle. They claimed a family relationship with the 21-year-old Turkish international in order to gain access to the players.
Escalation in the tunnel
When stewards stopped the group, the men insisted on seeing Guler. For roughly ten minutes, the group grew angry, shouted insults, and spoke in Turkish to attract the attention of the midfielder, who remained inside the Real Madrid locker room.
A female member of Schalke's communications team approached the men and requested their accreditation, noting that the area was restricted to athletes, coaching staff, journalists, and authorized personnel. The three men did not have passes.
Physical assault and ejection
As the conversation escalated into threats and verbal abuse, the staff member offered to take a photograph of the trio to verify their claims with Guler. When she raised her phone to take the picture, one of the men struck her violently on the arm.
Stadium security intervened and removed the group from the venue while the men continued to swear. Law enforcement officers then exfiltrated the trio from the premises.
Unverified claims
Authorities have not established any formal family connection between the three men and the former Fenerbahce player. Guler, who played in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Schalke, has not issued any public statement regarding the incident.
Club and player background
Real Madrid, one of Spain's leading football clubs, was completing a pre-season friendly match against German club Schalke 04 at their home ground in Gelsenkirchen. Guler joined Real Madrid from Turkish side Fenerbahce in 2023 and represents the Turkish national team.
