Violence against FC Bayern fans: Rummenigge calls for government assistance

Following the brutal treatment of FC Bayern München fans by Spanish police during the club’s Champions League match away to Real Madrid on 18 April, FC Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has issued an appeal to the German federal government. “We remain appalled by the utterly disproportionate and excessive action taken by Spanish police against a section of our fans at the Bernabeu Stadium,” the FC Bayern München chairman stated. “FC Bayern has a duty and responsibility to its supporters in this matter, and we have communicated this to the federal government.”

In a letter to the Federal Chancellery, Rummenigge and his deputy Jan-Christian Dreesen called on the federal government “to lodge a protest with the Spanish government on behalf of FC Bayern against the disproportionate and violent police operation and demand an explanation.” Furthermore, witness statements and video evidence have been made available to the Federal Chancellery.

The altercation with the security forces arose after Bayern fans displayed an unauthorised banner. However, displaying a prohibited banner “can in no way justify the brutal actions of the Spanish police,” Rummenigge declared.