Bayern hit with fine after explosive fan protest | OneFootball

Bayern Munich has been handed a €20,000 fine by the DFB Sports Court after home supporters displayed a controversial banner during the Bundesliga match against Mainz on April 26, according to FCBInside. The sanction comes in response to expressions of protest related to a police action that led to the fatal shooting of Lorenz A., a case that drew widespread attention in Germany.

The incident in question centered around a large banner that Bayern fans unfurled at the Allianz Arena. The message on the display sharply criticized police conduct, reading: “Racist killer cops investigate … racist killer cops?! Justice for Lorenz!” The reference was to an ongoing investigation following the death of Lorenz A., who was shot by a police officer during an altercation with security staff.

Bayern’s management defended the actions of their supporters, asserting that the banner was a form of legitimate expression rather than an insult. The club maintained that it saw the message as a value judgment, not as defamatory. However, the DFB Sports Court disagreed, characterizing the language as unsporting and offensive towards the police—a group the Court described as a crucial partner for both clubs and football authorities.

As part of the ruling, Bayern has been given the option to allocate €6,500 of the total fine towards violence prevention initiatives instead of paying that portion as a penalty. It's a provision the DFB sometimes includes in disciplinary cases involving supporter behavior.

The episode highlights ongoing tensions in German football between supporter groups, club hierarchies, and authorities over acceptable forms of protest and public discourse inside stadiums. Displays criticizing law enforcement have become more visible in recent years, prompting league officials and clubs to revisit guidelines on fan conduct and freedom of expression.

There is no indication that the penalty will be appealed, nor has there been any additional comment from the police authorities involved in the case. The decision arrives as Bayern seeks to focus on squad building and injury issues, but underscores that fan expressions and their consequences remain a live issue at the club.

(Source: FCBInside)

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