Pyro trouble at Bayern victory: Dreesen sharply criticizes FCB fans | OneFootball

FC Bayern’s 3-1 home win against Sporting Lisbon could have been an all-round successful Champions League evening – in sporting terms it was an important success, but the atmosphere was once again marred by massive pyrotechnic displays by the fans. The South Curve caused a stir with a large-scale pyro show shortly after the restart. FCB boss Jan-Christian Dreesen reacted visibly annoyed after the game and had clear words to say.

When referee Nicholas Walsh blew the whistle to start the second half, it took just a few seconds for Bengal flares to flare up in the south curve of the Allianz Arena. The stands were transformed into a flickering, colourful sea of lights that mutated into a pre-Christmas firework display – but one that could have serious consequences. Visibility in parts of the stadium was restricted and match operations were temporarily jeopardized.

Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of the German record champions, did not mince his words in the mixed zone after the final whistle. „Naturally, I don’t think that’s good. I was worried that the game might be abandoned because of the visibility. It’s simply unacceptable,“ he explained.

The relief at the victory quickly gave way to anger at the irresponsible behavior of some supporters.

South curve again in the focus of UEFA – partial exclusion threatened



Dreesen made it unmistakably clear that the pyro show would have consequences. UEFA had imposed a suspended sentence on Bayern after previous offences, which explicitly rules out a repeat incident. „It’s clear what the UEFA sanction will be. There will be a partial exclusion of the fans in the south curve. That was a clear threat of sanction due to the suspended sentence we received at the time, if I remember correctly, at the game against Leverkusen,“ said the Bayern boss.

Dreesen is alluding to the first leg of the round of 16 against Bayer Leverkusen in March, when Bayern fans had already used pyrotechnics on a massive scale, the arena was completely fogged up and the club had to pay a fine of 500,000 euros – and received a partial suspended ban. This new incident means that this is now invalid.

This is not the first time that Munich’s active fan scene has come into conflict with UEFA. In the last Champions League season, Bayern even had to do without their away fans in the quarter-finals at Arsenal FC after the probation expired due to repeated pyrotechnics violations.

The latest action against Sporting continues this series – and could once again bring painful consequences for the South Curve.