Champions League: A fan dies during Bayern Munich’s victory

FC Bayern Munich’s victory in the Champions League game against Benfica Lisbon was overshadowed by a death. Around an hour after the final whistle, the German football record champions received “the sad news” that a fan had died on the way to the hospital. Shortly after kick-off, the spectator in the stands received emergency medical care and was then transported away.

“FC Bayern is at the side of the relatives in mourning,” the club wrote on its website. Out of sympathy, the Bayern fans in the south curve refrained from their usual loud support of their team during the game. “There are definitely more important things in life than football,” said sports director Max Eberl. He found that the fans had shown appropriate respect with their behavior.

“We didn’t celebrate much after the game. The boys only found out after the game,” reported coach Vincent Kompany before the news of his death was announced. After the final whistle, the stadium announcer also informed the audience in the arena, which was sold out with 75,000 fans, about the incident and why there was no support from the fans. The music was also more subdued than usual after the game was won by a header from Jamal Musiala.

“When something like that happens, it’s a nice sign of solidarity somewhere that the fans don’t put their own party in front, but also show a sign of humanity,” commented Bayern veteran Thomas Müller.

Captain Manuel Neuer also felt for him. “We are very sorry and we didn’t really celebrate in the dressing room about this victory,” said the goalkeeper. “We feel for the fan or the person.”

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