Bayern Munich supporters have apologized after several photographers were injured when fans stormed the barriers in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
With the scores level, Bayern’s Luis Diaz and Michael Olise both scored late in the match to send the German champions through to the last four of the competition.
A group of fans from the Bayern Ultras section climbed over the barriers as they celebrated and trampled photographers on the pitch.
Reuters photographer Kai Pfaffenbach posted on social media a photo of himself lying on the ground, accompanied by a medical report saying he was «unconscious» after being swarmed by fans at the end of the match.
“Only one question: how could this happen during a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach. | Photo credit: Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram
“Only one question: how could this happen during a football match?” wrote Kai Pfaffenbach. | Photo credit: Kai Pfaffenbach/Instagram
«For those asking, I’m doing well. A few bruises, but no fractures or brain damage,» Pfaffenbach said alongside a series of photos.
“Only one question: how could this happen during a football match?”
Another photographer suffered a head injury and another required medical attention for back and shoulder injuries.
One of the injured photographers told AFP that fans had already climbed a barrier and waited «several minutes» before entering the photographers’ area on the pitch.
“If the security staff had responded and implemented the safety measures, if they had intervened beforehand and protected us or turned us back, this could certainly have been prevented.”
READ ALSO | Kompany praises ‘total solidarity’ after winning the Champions League
Bayern Munich has been in contact with the injured photographers, as well as the supporters, who have apologized for the incident.
Bayern supporters organization Club No. 12 told AFP that the group regrets “the injuries sustained by the media representatives” during the match.
“As far as we know, a conversation has already taken place between FC Bayern Munich and at least some of the fans involved, in which they expressed their deep regret for the accidental injuries and apologized.
«We believe this is the right approach and therefore welcome this action and the prompt communication. We wish all those affected a speedy recovery.»
Earlier in the competition, Bayern’s south stand made headlines for repeated use of fireworks and was partially closed by governing body UEFA.
UEFA told AFP subsidiary SID on Thursday that the organization was aware of the incident, but had not yet indicated whether an investigation would be launched.
Published on April 16, 2026
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/JustinFairfaxCerinaFairfax-Virginia-Former-Lt.-Gov.-Death-041626-e1755f8e868e4f368c3e517ffc37ab27.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Justin Fairfax era alcohólico, no pagaba manutención ni hipoteca, dice su esposa, y debía comparecer ante el tribunal días después del asesinato-suicidio.")
