The pyrotechnics incident during the FC Bayern Women’s Champions League match against Manchester City has led to further action. After two smoke bombs were thrown from the vicinity of the Unterhaching Sports Park during the game, police are now searching for four individuals.
According to police, a security guard in the adjacent beer garden observed two people, each throwing a pyrotechnic device toward the stadium. The two are then said to have run to two other people who were already waiting on e-scooters.
The group then left the premises together. The four individuals sought are believed to be between 15 and 20 years old. The police were initially unable to locate them. They are now seeking witnesses who can provide information about the incident or those involved.
Security guard injured by smoke
The incident occurred shortly before halftime of the 2-2 draw between Bayern and Manchester City. In the 44th minute, a blue-smoking pyrotechnic flare landed on the field. A second object produced red smoke next to the field.
The timing was particularly controversial. Manchester City continued their attack despite the pyrotechnics and scored the goal to make it 1–2 shortly afterward. The English team’s play took them right past the smoking object.
For Bayern, it was primarily the decision not to immediately halt the match that was met with bewilderment. Referee Olatz Rivero Olmedo ultimately removed the blue smoke canister from the field herself.
Bayern Women’s Director Bianca Rech subsequently voiced strong criticism: “In my opinion, the referee should have stopped the game. The pyrotechnics had been on the field for quite a while.”
It has since become clear that the incident did have health consequences. According to police, a security guard was injured by the smoke.
Who is behind the pyrotechnics incident?
It remains unclear who was responsible for the incident. Because one smoke bomb emitted blue smoke and the other red, there is speculation about a possible connection to supporters of SpVgg Unterhaching. Blue and red are the club colors of Unterhaching.
However, no such connection has been confirmed so far. As of now, the police are only reporting that four individuals are being sought and are asking for tips.
The situation is also explosive due to the stadium’s history. FC Bayern acquired the Sportpark from SpVgg Unterhaching in December 2025. The Bayern women’s team now plays its Champions League home games there.
Following the bitter 2-2 draw against Manchester City in stoppage time, the evening continues to preoccupy FC Bayern—though at this point, it is primarily the police who are dealing with the matter.