FC Bayern will have to do without some of its most vociferous support in the Champions League home game against Union Saint-Gilloise. Following the repeated use of pyrotechnics, UEFA has clamped down and banned several blocks in the Allianz Arena. The active fan scene „Südkurve München“ has now reacted to the sanctions with a detailed statement – and shows little understanding
The starting point for the current measures was a large-scale pyroshow at the Champions League home match against Sporting Lisbon on 9 December. As similar incidents had already occurred in March 2025 in the clash against Bayer Leverkusen and FC Bayern only got off on probation back then, UEFA drew the consequences this time. The disciplinary committee fined the record champions 50,000 euros and ordered a partial blocking of the south curve. Specifically, blocks 111 to 114 will remain empty for the match against Union Saint-Gilloise
FC Bayern implemented the decision immediately and announced that it would not open the affected areas for the premier class match. For many fans not involved in the match, this means losing their seats – a fact that has reignited the debate about collective punishment
Südkurve takes a clear stance against collective punishment
In a letter published on Sunday, the Südkurve München made it clear that they were aware of the consequences of the pyro action. The images from the match against Sporting had generated worldwide attention and received a lot of encouragement in the stadium and afterwards. Pyrotechnics are a central component of fan culture for many and create special moments and atmosphere
At the same time, the fan scene admits that the action was also deliberately intended as a signal against the suspended sentence imposed by UEFA. They knew that this would have consequences – even for fans who had nothing to do with the action or were critical of it. This is precisely where the Ultras‘ fundamental criticism comes in
„Not legitimate and not appropriate“
In the statement, the Südkurve clearly positions itself against the instrument of collective punishment. From the point of view of the fan scene, such measures are neither legitimate nor suitable for enforcing desired behaviour. Regardless of whether they are imposed by UEFA or other institutions, this procedure is fundamentally rejected. Accordingly, it is consistent from their point of view not to bow to such a „regime“
While FC Bayern and UEFA are relying on sanctions to curb the repeated use of pyrotechnics, the active fan scene sees its self-image confirmed
It remains to be seen how the club will react to the statement and whether further talks will take place, but one thing is clear: the conflict between the club management, associations and Ultras is far from over.