Panel discussion with president Herbert Hainer

The FC Bayern logo shone on the screen above the podium, along with the Munich Police seal with the slogan ‘Human, professional, respectful - that's me, that's us’. FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer was the guest speaker at the end-of-year conference, which this time had the motto ‘Values’ and at which external speakers were invited to take a look beyond the confines of the police force. Hainer was on hand to answer questions from Fabian Frese, head of the police values communication working group, in front of 120 officers from the management level, including police commissioner Thomas Hampel. “It's not just about winning games, it's about taking responsibility for society,” he said, outlining the club's self-image. “There are more and more disruptive forces that want to attack our democracy. We have to stand up against them together,” said Hainer, who received a long round of applause.

During the discussion, the FCB president explained the club's Red against Racism initiative for diversity and against exclusion of all kinds, explained the guidelines it has developed for dealing with hostility and provided insights into joint activities with the Jewish community led by Charlotte Knobloch, the QUEERPASS Bayern fan club and organisations such as buntkicktgut. The topic of inclusion was also discussed, including the sign language project with the Red Deaf fan club and the exemplary facilities in the Allianz Arena for people with disabilities. “Football, sport is for everyone - FC Bayern wants to offer everyone a home,” said Hainer, “Social commitment is part of our club's DNA, and has been since the days of Franz Beckenbauer and Uli Hoeneß.”

We need to work together to teach the younger generation values such as tolerance, respect and a sense of community, said Hainer. “The responsibility lies with all of us. With Red against Racism, it's not enough for us to put up a poster once a year or print a slogan on a shirt. We go to schools, organise workshops, connect generations and seek dialogue. When someone asks me: Why is FC Bayern doing this, why is it involved in social issues? Then I say: Because we have a responsibility! FC Bayern is an active part of society.” The memory of former president Kurt Landauer alone, who would have turned 140 this year, is an important task: “Without him, our club would not be what it is today. Kurt Landauer is a role model of reconciliation. We live his values.”

During the ‘Return of the Names’ campaign in the spring, Hainer and FC Bayern employees were involved in the Red against Racism campaign in favour of the culture of remembrance, alongside police commissioner Hampel, among others. Hainer concluded his speech with praise and thanks for the support of the police: “The cooperation is exemplary.” Host Hampel said that it had become clear “what FC Bayern also stands for off the pitch. FC Bayern not only makes an impact for 90 minutes, but also because of its social appeal.” At the end, he apologised that Hainer had been given the blue microphone instead of the red one. Hainer smiles, saying: “The blue microphone is tolerance in action.”