A Chaotic, Festive Night: Unruly Fan Scuffles and Euphoric Sing-Alongs at the Champions League Final in Munich
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Intense Moments Surrounding Fan Gatherings in Munich - Electric Ambiance Persists - Ruckus at Munich fan gatherings - overall atmosphere remains high
Football aficionados from Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan flocked to Munich in anticipation of the Champions League Final. Throngs of supporters reveled throughout the city, in fan zones, on public transport, and en route to the stadium all day. While skirmishes were frequent among the two factions, law enforcement reported these incidents as minor.
Italian Serenades Gone Awry
As the afternoon wore on, many fans attempted to reach the football stadium, causing at times heavy traffic, as reported by our correspondents. The atmosphere within the often congested U-Bahns was mainly exuberant, with Italians breaking into harmonious, boisterous singing sessions in several locations. Access to the U-Bahn at Odeonsplatz was unexpectedly sealed off for safety reasons due to overcrowding.
A heated confrontation erupted at the U-bahn station Universität, as per the authorities' statement. Pepper spray was even deployed, and a U-bahn investigation was initiated in the evening. This incident resulted in delays for the U3/U6 lines heading toward the stadium and a temporary diversion of passengers due to crowding on the tracks.
Olympiapark Overflowing
Three hours before the game began, the organizers closed the largest fan zone in the city at the Olympiapark. A city spokesman confirmed that around 20,000 people had been admitted. Later, some spectators managed to slip onto the supposedly closed grounds through a missing construction fence at one point.
For those wishing to watch the game among a bustling crowd, fan zones like the Königsplatz offered options, along with public viewing events in beer gardens.
- Champions League Final
- Munich
- Football Fans
- Paris
- Inter Milan
- Police
Incidents marring the football fans' night out in Munich during the Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan were widespread. Here are the key details:
Clashes at U-Bahn Stations:- More substantial problems arose at the Fröttmaning station near the Allianz Arena, where approximately 500 Inter ultras and 150 PSG supporters engaged in chilling physical brawls and object-throwing frenzies[3].- The violence began when irritant gas was discharged inside a metro station, triggering pandemonium and a massive police response, leading to transport system disruptions and the activation of crowd control measures[1][2].
Overcrowding in Fan Zones and Citywide Disruptions:- Initially, both sets of fans brought a vibrant mood to Munich's streets, marching peacefully alongside police escorts. However, as kickoff neared, tensions intensified[1].- The ongoing fan violence and disruptions, combined with the gas release and police actions, resulted in massive traffic congestion and transportation system issues, making the journey to the stadium challenging[1][2].
Law Enforcement Response:- To prepare for the possible disturbances, Munich authorities designated the event as high-risk and deployed over 2,000 police officers, along with helicopters, to ensure a peaceful gathering[3].- Despite these measures, the clashes revealed the difficulties involved in managing rival fan groups during major European finals[3].
- The chaotic and exuberant atmosphere during the Champions League Final in Munich, between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan, was marred by several incidents involving football fans.
- Overall, the evening was marked by clashes at U-Bahn stations, overcrowding in fan zones, and disruptions in traffic and transportation systems, making it challenging for fans to reach the Allianz Arena.
