Munich, December 11 – A Champions League match between FC Bayern and Sporting Lisbon at the Allianz Arena was marred by a massive pyrotechnics display on December 10, resulting in two injuries and the arrest of two individuals. The incident involved supporters of both teams, with particular focus on actions by visiting fans.
Two Injured by Pyrotechnics
According to police reports, two people sustained injuries due to the pyrotechnics ignited by visiting fans. A 29-year-old uninvolved fan was hospitalized with ear canal injuries and burns. Additionally, a 23-year-old police officer suffered acoustic trauma. These incidents highlight the severe risks associated with the unauthorized use of pyrotechnics in crowded venues.
Arrests Made, Investigation Underway
Police have arrested two suspects, aged 38 and 47, in connection with the incident. These individuals are expected to be brought before a judge to determine whether they will face detention. The police investigation is ongoing, covering violations of the Explosives Act, bodily harm, trespassing, and an offense under the Weapons Act. The broad scope of the investigation underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the event.
Pre-match Incidents and Bayern Fan Involvement
Prior to the match, pyrotechnics were also reportedly set off multiple times in Munich’s city center. Furthermore, Bayern fans ignited numerous flares in the Südkurve at the beginning of the second half. However, no suspects associated with these incidents involving Bayern fans have been identified yet. This suggests a widespread issue that extends beyond a single group of supporters.
FC Bayern CEO Expects Severe Consequences
Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of FC Bayern, strongly criticized the extensive use of pyrotechnics during the match. He anticipates significant repercussions from the European football governing body, UEFA. “It is clear what the UEFA sanction will be. There will be a partial exclusion of fans in the Südkurve,” Dreesen stated, indicating that the club expects to face penalties, potentially including a partial stadium ban for future matches. Such sanctions could have a considerable impact on the fan experience and club revenues.
Match Details and Attendance
Despite the disruptions, approximately 75,000 spectators attended the Champions League fixture, which FC Bayern ultimately won with a score of 3:1. The match itself proceeded without further major incidents directly related to the pyrotechnics after the initial occurrences. However, the shadow of the unauthorized pyrotechnics and their consequences remains a significant talking point.
Broader Implications for Fan Safety and Club Responsibility
The incident at the Allianz Arena raises important questions about fan safety and the responsibility of clubs in preventing such occurrences. The use of pyrotechnics in sports stadiums is a recurring problem across Europe, often leading to injuries, property damage, and significant fines for clubs. This event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved and the need for stricter enforcement and preventative measures. The anticipated UEFA sanctions will likely serve as a deterrent for other clubs and their fan bases.
Authorities and club management are now faced with the challenge of addressing these issues to ensure the safety of all attendees at future sporting events. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and UEFA’s decision will be closely watched by football clubs and fans alike, as it could set precedents for how such incidents are handled in the future.
Source: sueddeutsche.de
