Bayern Munich ultras staged an impressive pyrotechnic show during their Champions League group-stage match against Sporting (3-1), and it was not a spontaneous outburst of emotion but a carefully planned strategy.
According to Idman.Biz citing Bild, the fans deliberately violated UEFA regulations in order to trigger an inevitable sanction - a partial stadium closure - at a moment they considered convenient, during a less significant match, to ensure the punishment is served before the decisive knockout rounds.
In the second half, the Allianz Arena was covered in thick smoke as fans on the Sudkurve ignited more than 80 flares simultaneously, creating a fiery display that caused visibility issues and frustration for club management. But according to Bild, the purpose was to activate the suspended sanction hanging over Bayern since March due to earlier pyrotechnic violations.
UEFA had warned that any repeat use of pyrotechnics would automatically result in a stadium sector closure. Aware of this, the ultras chose to “trigger” the sanction now. The partial closure is expected to apply to Bayern’s next home Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise - considered a less prestigious opponent compared to those Bayern may face in the spring knockout rounds.
It is also reported that the ultras have already begun purchasing tickets in other stadium sections so they can still attend the match even if the Sudkurve is officially closed, thus formally complying with the punishment.
Club management harshly condemned the fans’ actions. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen stated that the club had anticipated sanctions and that such behaviour poses safety risks and could lead to even stricter measures from UEFA.
Bayern will now face a fine and a home match with partially closed stands in January. However, for the fans, the priority is ensuring their sector is fully open for the decisive stages of the competition. The question remains whether UEFA will view the ultras’ actions as an attempt at manipulation - and respond with a harsher penalty.
