Angela Merkel saddened by postponement but thanks fans and security

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has apologised to supporters for the postponement of the fixture between Germany and Holland, but praised them for their conduct at the Niedersachsenstadion in Hannover.

The international friendly between the two nations was abruptly called off an hour before kick-off, when thousands of spectators had already arrived and entered the stadium, after security forces received intelligence of a planned terrorist attack involving explosives.

In a statement shown on German television on Wednesday, Merkel, who was due to attend the fixture, insisted the right decision had been taken.

"I was just as sad as the millions of fans who had to see this game called off," Merkel said.

"These are difficult decisions, maybe the most difficult between the poles of freedom and security.

"But yesterday - and this was the right thing - it was decided, in doubt, to go for security."

Police used loudspeakers to ask fans to return to their homes, telling them also not to panic but to leave in an orderly manner.

"I would like to thank above all the citizens of Hannover and all of the fans from the bottom of my heart for following the police's orders in such a calm and sensible manner," Merkel said.

"Although the game could not go ahead, the people nevertheless sent out a signal."

Merkel also thanked the police and security forces for the way they acted in the face of a potential terrorist attack.

"It has become clearer once more that it is a good thing to have these security forces, above all to ensure that we can continue to stage major events like football matches in Germany and that we can look forward to these events," Merkel added.

"Thanks to everybody who is there to ensure our safety."

Despite what is reported to have been a credible threat of a terrorist attack, no explosives have yet been discovered and no arrests were made in Hannover on Tuesday night.