Bayern Munich fans called for the ‘autocrats’ of the Glazer family and Sheikh Mansour – owners of Manchester United and Manchester City respectively – to leave football.
It came on the night that Bayern suffered a three-goal loss to City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final at the Etihad. The German side’s boss Thomas Tuchel – who was dismissed at Chelsea earlier this season – endured a difficult first return to England.
Goals from Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland helped to blow away the German champions, who will now need a minor miracle in Munich next week if they are to have any hopes of reaching the last four of the competition this term.
Despite a bad night on the pitch for Bayern, their loyal fanbase were typically loud and passionate off it, sticking with their side throughout the game with colourful support. They also held up a banner midway through the second half, critical of club owners in English football.
The banner in the Bayern end read: "Glazers, Sheikh Mansour, all autocrats out! Football belongs to the people." A large section of City fans responded to the message by chanting the name of Sheikh Mansour.
It was a reference to the owners of City and their cross-city rivals United – whom the Glazer family are currently trying to sell. It was a moment that helped sum up the difference between fan cultures in German and English football.
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The 50+1 model in German football ensures that club’s fans will have a definitive say in major decisions regarding the clubs, although they welcome external investment and clubs – most notably RB Leipzig – stand alleged of bending the rules in recent years.
After City’s victory over his former club, Guardiola told reporters: “It was not comfortable. I'm emotionally destroyed. I've aged 10 more years today. It was such a demanding game. Now I have to relax, a day off for the guys, then prepare for Leicester.
“I knew exactly what we had to do. If you don't perform really well, Bayern are able to score one, two or three. I know that. The players know that. It's an incredible result, but we have to play our game with a huge, huge personality over there.”
Guardiola continued: “I had the feeling we would have our chances and at our stadium we can do special things. I know what this win means, but we're going there to score goals and to try to win the game.”
