Bayern accept UEFA away fans ban
Bayern Munich have accepted UEFA's decision to ban their supporters from the stands for the away leg of their upcoming Champions League quarter-final tie.
| Photo: JörgGehlmann/CC-by-SA 4.0 |
UEFA imposed the ban as a result of Bayern's 1-0 first leg defeat to Lazio in Rome in the last 16, during which the German club's fans used pyrotechnics extensively in the away section.
"We have to accept the punishment," said FC Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, adding:
"Not only were pyrotechnics set off in the stands, but were also thrown on the pitch, which put bystanders in immediate danger.
"This violated the probation conditions so an appeal is unfortunately pointless."
Bayern have yet to find out who they will face in the quarterfinals, which will be played on April 9-10 and April 16-17. The draw takes place on friday.
"In general we're very happy that we're in the quarter-finals, but the fact we now have to play away without the support of our fans is a big blow," said Dreesen.
"A small group of individual offenders have done a disservice to all our supporters and the team. However, I am confident that our team will find a way to deliver the top performance that will be needed in the quarter-finals."
