The dispute between FC Bayern and its Munich rival, 1860 Munich, has led to legal action. After 1860 Munich fans displayed an offensive banner on Marienplatz during the German record champion’s title celebration on May 17, FC Bayern filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown. Now, police have searched the apartment of a suspect.
Supporters of 1860 Munich had brought the banner to Marienplatz unnoticed and unfurled it in front of rolling cameras in the fan section during the celebrations.
As reported by BILD, Bayern has decided to take legal action against those responsible.
Police Search Apartment of an 1860 Fan
According to BILD, four investigators from the Munich Criminal Investigation Department searched the apartment of a suspected 1860 Munich fan a few days ago.
The search was authorized by an emergency court order. Among other items, the officers seized computers and other electronic devices to secure potential evidence such as chat histories or bank transfer receipts.
The accused’s attorney, Sebastian Wagner, considers the action disproportionate and is already questioning whether it constitutes a criminal offense. “The behavior described does not constitute a criminal offense. Furthermore, FC Bayern AG is not a legal entity that can be the victim of an insult,” the defense attorney explained.
Wagner then leveled pointed accusations against the judiciary: “One gets the impression that FC Bayern says, ‘Jump!’ and the Munich judiciary asks, ‘How high?’”
Bayern Will Not Tolerate Defacement of Its Logo
According to BILD, FC Bayern cites two reasons for its action. First, the banner in question is to be confiscated so that the defaced club logo featured on it is not further disseminated.
Second, the record champion wants to prevent, as a matter of principle, its club crest from being depicted in an offensive manner or disparaged. In this regard, the club also points to its responsibility toward its own fans.
Whether the action actually constitutes a criminal offense has not yet been conclusively determined. The legal assessment therefore remains the subject of the proceedings.
In any case, the accused 1860 fan is ready to fight. Through his attorney, he sent a message to FC Bayern: “A derby lasts 90 minutes. But in court, I’d take on FC Bayern right into extra time.”
This suggests that the dispute between the two Munich rivals is far from over.