FRANCE (AFP) - The Euro 2016 stadium in St Etienne was evacuated on Tuesday (June 14), hours before Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal take on Iceland because of a false alarm, French police told AFP.

Two officials confirmed the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard had been temporary cleared of all staff and spectators, who were allowed back into the ground after the all-clear was given around three hours before the 2100 (1900 GMT) kick-off.

Officials said the incident was down to an alarm being triggered by accident.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos said before the tournament got underway that the presence of three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo made Portugal a potential target for terror attacks.

Ronaldo will attempt to become the first man to score in four different Euros against minnows Iceland, who are making their debut in a major tournament.