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Dortmund fans take in stranded Monaco supporters

Dortmund - Stranded Monaco fans were offered free accommodation by fans in Dortmund after Tuesday's Champions League match was called off following the attack on the Borussia Dortmund team bus.

Hundreds of French fans had nowhere to sleep in the west German city after the quarter-final, first-leg, was called off after three explosions hit the Borussia team bus en route to the match.

The Dortmund team was left badly shaken by the attack and defender Marc Bartra underwent wrist surgery after being hit by flying glass.

Many Monaco supporters, who had planned to travel back to France directly after the game, found they had nowhere to sleep when the game was postponed until 18:45 (SA time) on Wednesday, with their tickets still valid.

However, a heart-warming spontaneous initiative from Dortmund fans via Twitter meant many found a place to sleep for the night under the hashtag #bedforawayfans.

Borussia Dortmund's official account promoted the initiative.

"Dear supporters of @AS_Monaco_EN! If you need accommodation in Dortmund, please check #bedforawayfans. #bvbasm," the German club tweeted and the Monaco account also highlighted the action.

Several Dortmund fans posted pictures of themselves at home with relieved Monaco supporters and the solidarity drew plenty of praise on social media.

"All together! Solidarity has developed between the fans of both teams," wrote French sports newspaper L'Equipe.

German Sky sports reporter Rolf Fuhrmann tweeted: "#bedforawayfans Dortmund & Co, you are all simply brilliant", while one fan tweeted: "Thank you for showing that football is not just football#bedforawayfans."

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