Bayern Munich fans unfurled a giant protest banner ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester United – and it featured a shout-out to West Ham.
German fans are renowned for taking potshots at FIFA, UEFA and perceived state-run clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. This time European football’s governing body was the target with a message slamming UEFA’s decision to ban Hammers and Benfica supporters from their opening European away games this season.
The banner read: “UEFA’s wish wash about the lifeblood of the game is once again bubbling away for West Ham, Benfica and others no away fans no way for football.”
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Officially, there will be no Hammers fans at their Europa League clash against Freiburg on October 5 as punishment for the behaviour of a minority during last season’s Europa Conference League final. A section of fans threw missiles onto the pitch during the Prague showpiece, with one striking Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biragh on the head, leaving him with a nasty cut.
In announcing the punishment, UEFA said: “The control and disciplinary body decided to ban West Ham United FC from selling tickets to away supporters for its next two UEFA competition matches. The second of which being suspended for a probationary period of two years as from the date of this decision, for throwing of objects.”
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Meanwhile, Benfica fans will be locked out of their Champions League opener against Inter Milan on October 3. It comes after fans of the Portuguese champions threw missiles at Inter supporters during a match last season.
However, that didn’t stop Bayern from hitting out at the sanctions imposed by UEFA, and their stance was applauded by West Ham supporters. One said: “Bayern Munich displaying an anti UEFA banner tonight after UEFA banned West Ham fans from attending our first away match. Huge respect.”
Another declared: “I love Bayern Munchen.” A third added: “Respect to Bayern Munich.”
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