Despite UEFA ban: Bayern fans announce trip to London

Bayern fans are banned from supporting their club in the away match at Arsenal FC due to breaches of UEFA’s probation conditions. In Heidenheim, however, the active fan scene announced that they would still be travelling to London.

The Bayern fans travelling with them in Heidenheim not only showed their frustration with their team’s performance. UEFA was also briefly but clearly criticised. In the away block of the Voith Arena on Saturday during FC Bayern’s 3:2 away defeat, a banner could be seen that read: „We’re going to London anyway! Wembley calling – F*CK UEFA“ – in German: „We’re going to London anyway! Webley calling – F*ck UEFA“

The Bayern fans want to travel to London anyway. They probably won’t make it to the Emirates Stadium: Arsenal FC had stated in advance that they would be strict about ensuring that no Bayern fans get into the stadium. Perhaps the fans only want to travel to the British capital on match day and watch the game in the city’s countless pubs, for example. Or perhaps a later trip to London is meant: the final will also take place in the metropolis, but at Wembley Stadium – which the fans also referred to on their banner. But for that to happen, Munich would first have to reach the final.

In addition to the ban, the club was also fined 50,750 euros. UEFA had already sentenced FC Bayern to pay a fine of 40,000 euros in October. The club then violated the associated probation period of two years during the away match against Lazio Roma.

Bayern wants to discourage its own fans from buying tickets

Bayern’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said after the judgement was announced that „we have to accept the punishment. Not only was pyrotechnics set off in the stands, but also targeted shots were fired onto the pitch, directly endangering bystanders. This was such an explicit breach of the conditions of probation that an appeal is unfortunately pointless.“

If they really want to avoid the stadium ban, Bayern fans will probably look online for tickets put up for sale by Gunners supporters. However, it won’t be cheap: ticket prices start at around 400 euros.

However, a statement from the club strongly advises against such ticket purchases: „FC Arsenal has expressly informed FC Bayern that all supporters of the German record champions must be consistently turned away at the entrance to the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in London on 9 April.“