A Bayern Munich fan died after suffering a medical emergency during their Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday evening, the club has confirmed.
The supporter died while being taken to hospital after needing attention in the stands just three minutes after kick-off at the Allianz Arena.
Fans in the Sudkurve, the most vocal section of the support, refrained from singing or chanting for most of the match out of respect for their fellow supporter.
The fan was taken away on a stretcher about half an hour after the match after being attended to by paramedics and police.
Harry Kane set up Jamal Musiala for the only goal of the match after 67 minutes, and although that goal was celebrated, the atmosphere had dampened further.
A Bayern Munich fan died on Wednesday on the way to hospital after a medical emergency
The atmosphere at Bayern’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica was dampened after the supporter required medical attention
Midfielder Konrad Laimer said players were unaware of the incident during the match
“We didn’t know anything about it during the game, right after,” midfielder Konrad Laimer said.
Speaking before he knew the fan had died, the star added: ‘We wish the family strength and best wishes, we are thinking of everyone involved and we hope for the best for the individual fan.’
Bayern Munich’s statement read: ‘In the Champions League stage 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 match from the start.
‘Out of consideration, the Sudkurve have refrained from the usual vociferous support for their team, and the club has also reduced its coverage of the match.
‘About 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 mourns side by side with the relatives of the fan.’
Devoted fans had deliberately remained silent after news of the unfolding tragedy filtered through the stands.
Supporters group Club No. 12 said its members “would not support today as usual due to an urgent medical intervention.” Life comes before sport. We wish the family and friends a lot of strength.’