German heavyweights Bayern Munich have been ordered by UEFA to partially close their stadium for their Champion League quarter-finals home game against Manchester United. This decision was made by UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body due to an indecent banner made by the Bavarian fans in their game against Arsenal.
Bayern Munich played Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16 and in their home game in the Allianz Arena; their fans brought a “Gay Gunners” banner aimed at German star Mesut Ozil.
“The Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body has decided to order the partial closure of the Allianz Arena," the official statement read.
"In particular, the closure of sector 124 for Bayern's next UEFA competition home match, namely their Champions League quarter-final second-leg against Manchester United FC on 9 April.”
DISCIPLINARY: Partial closure of FC Bayern München stadium for discriminatory behaviour and illicit banner http://t.co/41vHFcULFL
— UEFA (@UEFA) March 24, 2014
Partial stadium closure and fine for @FCBayern - http://t.co/wAzhrgN51l pic.twitter.com/nDYVRNAje3
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 24, 2014
Bayern punished by UEFA - UEFA have ordered Bayern Munich to partially close the Allianz Arena for the second leg ... http://t.co/tw1SCInukA
— Bayern Munich News (@BayernNewsOnly) March 24, 2014
The incident happened in Bayern Munich's home game against Arsenal
This is the banner which was believed to be aimed at German midfielder Mesut Ozil
Bayern Munich’s chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has accepted the punishment and promises action will be taken yet says these were not the actions of the club.
"Bayern Munich will never accept this (the “Gay Gunners” banner). Yet we have to accept UEFA's punishment,” said Rummenigge. “We will find the person who caused this and then we will check for the legal possibility on getting compensation from these people."
The punishment will take action in Bayern's home game against Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals