After the recent pyro row, FC Bayern is considering a complete ban on the south curve in the next CL home game. Bayern boss Jan-Christian Dreesen is taking the Ultras of the German record champions to task
FC Bayern are facing a scenario in the European Cup that they never really wanted to imagine at Säbener Straße. The Champions League home game against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on 21 January could take place without the South Curve. The background to this is the massive use of pyrotechnics at the home game against Sporting Lisbon, which has once again brought the record champions into conflict with UEFA
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen explained on Sunday during a fan club visit to Neufahrn that the club is seriously considering blocking the entire standing area – although UEFA has officially „only“ ordered a partial ban: „We will have to block blocks 111 to 114. But we are really considering whether to block the entire south curve. We have already discussed this, but have not yet made a final decision“,
Partial closure becomes an organizational problem
Following the incidents against Lisbon, UEFA imposed a ban on blocks 111 to 114 in the lower tier of the South Stand. FC Bayern are also facing a two-year suspended sentence, which would result in a complete ban from the South Stand in the event of a repeat offence. In addition, there is a fine of 46,000 euros
The real problem for Bayern, however, lies in practice. For years, there has been a free choice of blocks in the South Stand. Fans can move freely within the standing area and there are hardly any fixed allocations. This is precisely what makes it almost impossible to implement the UEFA penalty in a targeted manner. If only individual blocks were banned, fans who had nothing to do with the pyro activities would inevitably also be affected
Dreesen made it clear that this scenario is considered unfair. At the same time, a complete ban would be even more drastic – because it would affect even more uninvolved supporters. The club is therefore also looking into refunds for fans who would have to be left out of a possible total ban
Bayern relies on self-regulation – with a clear deadline
In order to avoid an escalation, FC Bayern is seeking a direct exchange with the Ultras. Some of the affected groups have indicated that they want to resolve the situation internally. The club has set a clear deadline for this. A solution should be in place by 6 January that prevents banned fans from simply obtaining tickets in other areas
At the same time, Dreesen made it unmistakably clear that the club will not give in here. They will not accept that the sanctions come to nothing. If no practicable solution is found, the complete ban of the south curve remains a real option
The chairman’s anger runs deep. Precisely because FC Bayern is already on probation, the use of pyrotechnics is seen as completely unnecessary. Internally, the issue is perceived as a burden – both in sporting and emotional terms. An empty south curve would not only be a massive blow to the atmosphere in the Allianz Arena, but would also send a clear signal internally.