The Euro 2024 competition has just begun, but at least three fans can no longer watch matches in person.
According to the Associated Press, German YouTuber Marvin Wildhage and two others were banned from attending the remainder of the action after gaining unauthorized access.
Wildhage claimed to have entered the pitch in a bear costume resembling the official Euro mascot, Albert, during the Germany-Scotland contest at Munich’s Allianz Arena on June 14
Wildhage posted a YouTube video — with more than 1.1 million views — just two days later documenting how he was able to reach the field.
The elaborate disguise supposedly cost €3,200, or roughly $3,400.
The AP details that Wildhage forged credentials as well as a parking pass, somehow convincing security in order to get onto the pitch.
In his video, Windhage mentioned that he scoured social media posts to determine the color of lanyard and QR codes used by actual Euro employees, then replicated it.
Wildhage could be seen dancing and taking photos with fans as an actual mascot would while behind a stanchion.
However, trouble arose after Wildhage walked onto a covered pitch and was promptly escorted away by a supervisor.
In the opening seconds of Wildhage’s video, he explained that this latest entry attempt came due to having success sneaking down to team level of a German national tryout for the Euro, plus the exorbitant cost of attending the Euro match.
Wildhage’s shenanigans didn’t deter the German national team, which defeated Scotland 5-1 in its opening match.
With nearly 900,000 subscribers, Wildhage’s channel explores the taboo, including claims of exposing companies for manipulation or false advertising.
An August 2023 video showcased Wildhage getting access to a stadium by dressing as 37-year-old German entertainer Jens “Knossi” Knossalla, who has two million followers on Instagram.
Euro action continued uninterrupted from Germany the rest of the weekend, with Romania and Slovakia claiming victories on Monday.
