After a thorough examination of the situation, FC Bayern has decided not to lodge an appeal with UEFA against the verdict, according to which the German record champions will have to play the away leg of the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals without their fans. The club accepts the decision after the corresponding conditions of the European Football Association were violated in the round of 16 match at Lazio.
Jan-Christian Dreesen, FC Bayern CEO: "We have to accept this punishment. Not only were pyrotechnics set off, but also fired deliberately onto the field, directly endangering bystanders. This was such an explicit violation of the conditions of probation that an appeal is unfortunately futile."
FC Bayern had already received a suspended penalty from UEFA because pyrotechnics had been set off during the away match in Copenhagen in the group stage. Following the recent incidents in Rome, the sanction was implemented by the European governing body. The draw for the last eight takes place on Friday in Nyon.
Dreesen added: "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. 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."
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