FC Bayern’s Ultras are once again causing a stir. At the away match in Leipzig, Munich supporters once again set off red smoke bombs – in the middle of an already heated phase in the relationship between the club and the active fan scene
The scene in the stadium is likely to cause further discussion. The club recently announced a drastic measure in response to repeated pyrotechnics at the match against Sporting Lisbon: the entire south curve will remain closed for the upcoming Champions League home match against Union Saint-Gilloise. Originally, only a partial closure was planned, but because the technical processes made selective implementation impossible, all tickets in the affected area were cancelled. Now the renewed smoke bombs at the Bundesliga match in Leipzig, which clearly obscured the view on TV footage.
This was preceded by a failed attempt to find a solution for the closure of the south curve in the premier class together with the fan scene. The club had given the Ultras a deadline to present a viable concept for implementing the UEFA requirements – without success. All tickets for blocks 109 to 117 were therefore withdrawn and refunded.
Bayern Ultras make their displeasure loud
The fans reacted with clear signals even before the match in Leipzig. At the test match in Salzburg, they again set off smoke bombs and presented a banner with the inscription: „We see red at the partner preferred by FCB AG… FUCK RB!“ The action was obviously directed against the Red Bull group, but can also be seen as a provocation in the tense situation with the club management.
A banner with the slogan „No one can stop us“ also appeared at the Bundesliga opener against Wolfsburg. The message could be interpreted both as a sign of solidarity with banned fans and as a clear reference to the ongoing pyro debate.
Südkurve München spoke out
Even before the latest incident in Leipzig, the active fan scene had already spoken out publicly. In a detailed statement, „Südkurve München“ commented on the partial closure of the Allianz Arena. In it, the Ultras emphasized that they were aware of the consequences of the pyro action against Sporting Lisbon – but that they had consciously accepted the attention and the effect of the images.
At the same time, the fans sharply criticized the sanctions imposed by UEFA. In particular, they firmly rejected the principle of collective punishment. In the view of the South Curve, such measures were „not legitimate and not suitable“ for influencing the behaviour of individual groups. They had therefore consciously decided against adapting to this system.
The fact that a fire has now been set off again, even though the consequences are known, underlines the depth of the conflict. The club had hoped to achieve de-escalation with targeted measures and talks. But so far, every gesture has had no effect – and the next incident was not long in coming.