After the pyro scandal in FC Bayern’s match against Sporting Lisbon, the Munich club is facing a partial expulsion of the fans in the south curve. The FCB ultras involved apparently deliberately accepted this
The pyro show by the FCB Ultras during FC Bayern’s 3:1 win against Sporting Lisbon not only caused thick smoke in the Allianz Arena, but also left the club’s management shaking their heads. However, there is said to have been far more behind the Ultras‘ action in the south curve than mere agitation – according to BILD, there was even a clear strategy that had been prepared for weeks
Around 90 flares were lit at the start of the second half, although the fan scene is usually rather reserved with pyrotechnics at home matches. The fact that it was different this time was no coincidence. Background: Bayern have been under a two-year suspended sentence since the Champions League match against Leverkusen in March. UEFA had explicitly announced at the time, in addition to a 50,000 euro fine, that the next pyrotechnics offence would result in a fan ban
According to BILD, the Ultras knew very well that the probation would apply to the next incident – and planned the escalation anyway. And for a specific reason: the next international home game is not until 21 January, and it is „only“ against Union Saint-Gilloise. For many fans, this is apparently the ideal moment to serve the unavoidable penalty so that the south curve is completely back in the knockout phase
Dreesen clearly criticized for pyro show
In addition, many Ultras are already trying to get tickets in other blocks so that they can be in the stadium despite the ban. However, it remains to be seen whether this will actually work out. UEFA is investigating the incidents and could tighten the punishment – after all, this is a repeat case and a particularly massive pyro action
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen made it clear immediately after the match: „I can’t say how expensive it will be, but it’s clear what UEFA’s sanction will be. There will be a partial exclusion of the fans in the south curve!“
It is not yet officially clear whether UEFA will actually make the same decision as the fans have probably anticipated.
