A Bayern Munich fan died following a medical emergency during their Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday night, the club has confirmed.
The supporter died while being taken to hospital after requiring attention in the stands just three minutes after kick-off at the Allianz Arena.
Fans in the Sudkurve, the most vocal section of support, refrained from singing or chanting for most of the match out of respect to their fellow supporter.
The fan was taken away via stretcher around half an hour into the game after being attended to by paramedics and police.
Harry Kane set up Jamal Musiala for the only goal of the game after 67 minutes, and while that goal was celebrated, the atmosphere was subdued otherwise.
A Bayern Munich fan died on their way to hospital after a medical emergency on Wednesday
The atmosphere at Bayern’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica was muted after the supporter required medical attention
Midfielder Konrad Laimer said that players had been unaware of the incident during the game
‘We didn’t know of it during the game, just after it,’ said midfielder Konrad Laimer.
The star, speaking before he knew the fan had passed away, added: ‘We wish the family strength and best wishes, we’re thinking of all involved, and we’re hoping for the best for the individual fan.’
Bayern Munich’s statement read: ‘In the Champions League league phase match against Benfica, FC Bayern’s 1-0 victory was overshadowed by a sad event. A medical emergency in the stands of the Allianz Arena cast a shadow over the game right from the start.
‘Out of consideration, the Sudkurve refrained from its usual vociferous support for their team, and the club also reduced its coverage of the match.
‘Around an hour after the final whistle, the German record champions received the sad news that the fan had died on the way to hospital. FC Bayern is in mourning side by side with the fan’s relatives.’
Committed fans had deliberately stayed quiet after news filtered through the stands of the unfolding tragedy.
Supporters’ group Club Nr. 12 said its members would ‘not be supporting as usual today because of an emergency medical intervention. Life comes before sport. We wish the family and friends lots of strength.’
