Seventy Celtic fans were taken into custody last night in Munich following violent clashes with local authorities and rival supporters. The disturbances erupted in the city center ahead of the Champions League match between Celtic and Bayern Munich. Police intervened as tensions escalated, leading to several arrests.
According to eyewitness reports, the trouble began when groups of opposing fans encountered each other near a popular bar district. Verbal exchanges quickly turned hostile, culminating in physical altercations. Bottles and other objects were allegedly thrown, prompting police to take immediate action to control the situation.
Local law enforcement stated that officers were deployed in large numbers to contain the violence. Tear gas and batons were reportedly used to disperse the crowd after some individuals resisted arrest. Several officers sustained minor injuries during the confrontation, while a number of fans also required medical attention.
A spokesperson for the Munich police department confirmed that 70 individuals, believed to be Celtic supporters, were detained for public disorder offenses. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible for the most serious acts of violence. Further arrests may follow as investigations continue.
Celtic Football Club released a statement condemning the behavior of the arrested fans, emphasizing that such actions do not reflect the values of the club or the majority of its supporters. The club assured full cooperation with authorities and urged fans to behave responsibly when traveling abroad.
Local officials in Munich expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that such disturbances tarnish the reputation of football as a unifying sport. Business owners in the affected areas also voiced concerns about the damage caused and the potential impact on tourism.
Despite the pre-match violence, the game proceeded as scheduled, with heightened security measures in place at the stadium. Additional police were stationed inside and around the venue to prevent further disruptions. No major incidents were reported during the match itself.
Authorities have urged fans to respect local laws and avoid confrontations that could lead to legal consequences. With more international fixtures ahead, both clubs and law enforcement agencies are working to ensure such incidents do not recur in future matches
