Police officers and paramedics carry a stretcher during Bayern Munich vs Benfica (Image: The Associated Press)
Bayern Munich are in mourning following the death of a fan who attended their 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Bavarian club announced early on Thursday morning that they had received news of the fan’s death while they were being transported to hospital.
Out of respect for the individual, Bayern fans refrained from singing or chanting during the match. The atmosphere at Bayern’s stadium was noticeably subdued after the delayed kick-off when it became clear there was a medical emergency requiring the attention of paramedics and police officers.
The Bayern supporters’ group Club Nr. 12 stated its members would “not be supporting as usual today because of an emergency medical intervention”. They added: “Life comes before sport. We wish the family and friends lots of strength.”
Chanting did not resume even after the person was carried out of the stands on a stretcher after about half an hour.
The atmosphere was subdued at the Allianz Arena (Image: Getty)
Jamal Musiala’s 67th-minute header – set up by Harry Kane – was enough for Bayern to end a two-game losing streak and secure a second win of the Champions League league phase.
While the Bayern fans cheered and celebrated the goal, the atmosphere remained subdued for the rest of the match.
“We didn’t know of it during the game, just after it,” said Bayern midfielder Konrad Laimer about the medical emergency. “We wish the family strength and best wishes, we’re thinking of all involved, and we’re hoping for the best for the individual fan.”
Bayern’s official announcement came later. It read: “Around an hour after the game ended, the club received the sad news that the fan had passed away en route to the hospital.
“FC Bayern is in mourning alongside their relatives.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1972769/Bayern-Munich-fan-dies-Benfica-Champions-League