FC Bayern bans the South Curve completely after a pyro row. The Ultras react provocatively – the conflict is coming to a head
FC Bayern has pulled the ripcord after the latest pyrotechnic incidents by its fans in the Champions League. The south curve of the Allianz Arena will be completely banned for the next home game in the premier class against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise next week (21 January). In doing so, the record champions have even gone beyond the sanctions imposed by UEFA
The European soccer association had imposed a fine of 50,000 euros and a partial closure of blocks 111 to 114 on the Munich club for repeatedly setting off pyrotechnics. In theory, spectators could have been allowed to continue to attend in the adjacent areas. In practice, however, the entire south curve will remain empty. The reason for this is technical restrictions: as individual tickets from the total contingent for the south curve cannot be cancelled, the club declared all tickets for blocks 109 to 117 invalid as a first step
Talks between the club and representatives of the Ultras about alternative solutions were unsuccessful, after which FC Bayern decided to take the hard line – probably also as a clear signal that the patience of those responsible is exhausted
Provocative response from the Ultras exacerbates the conflict
Reaction of the Südkurve to the complete blocking of the lower tier at the next CL match: „Honor the locked out“ #FCBayern @tonline pic.twitter.com/OKXh7dsAnA
– Julian Buhl (@julianbuhl) January 11, 2026
The reaction from the Südkurve was not long in coming – and was anything but reasonable. At the Bundesliga opener against VfL Wolfsburg, two banners appeared in the Allianz Arena that were a clear provocation towards the club and UEFA. „No one can stop us“ could be read on one banner – an unmistakable message that they are not prepared to do without pyrotechnics in the future either
Another banner directly addressed the impending ban: „The days are numbered until you are back with us. Honor the banned.“ The Ultras demonstratively took the side of those affected and made it clear that they would not accept the measures
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen had already emphasized a few days ago that the club would no longer tolerate the ongoing misconduct of individual fan groups. However, the provocative banners show how deep the rift has become. It remains to be seen whether FC Bayern will now sharpen its stance further or once again seek dialogue
One thing is clear: the conflict between the club management and parts of the fan scene is far from over – and threatens to escalate further.