Bayern Munich File Criminal Complaint Over 1860 Munich Fan's Insulting Banner at Marienplatz Title Party

Bayern Take Legal Action Over Banner at Title Celebration

Bayern Munich have filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown for insult after fans of local rivals 1860 Munich unfurled a derogatory banner in the middle of Marienplatz, according to a report by BILD.

The banner was displayed in the fan section directly in front of live television cameras during Bayern's title celebration, held after the conclusion of the 2025-26 Bundesliga season on 17 May. The imagery involved Bayern's club logo, which the club argues was defaced and disparaged by the stunt.

Police Search Suspect's Apartment

A few days ago, police searched the home of a suspect alleged to have been involved in the incident, with four detectives carrying out a search of the 1860 Munich fan's apartment. Acting on a warrant issued by the Munich District Court, officers seized computers and other electronic devices, along with material such as receipts, bank transfers and chat logs, which are being examined as evidence.

According to BILD, which cited the defendant's lawyer, the officers conducting the search were "very friendly" and even chuckled at the prank.

Defence Lawyer Rejects Criminal Case

Defence attorney Sebastian Wagner, who often represents 1860 Munich fans at hearings, disputed that any offence had been committed. "The behavior described [against the 1860 Munich fans] does not constitute a criminal offense," he said. "FC Bayern AG is also not a collective entity that can be the victim of an insult."

Wagner was also openly frustrated that the search took place at all, suggesting the club's influence weighed heavily on the process: "You get the impression that FC Bayern says, 'Jump,' and the Munich judiciary asks, 'How high?'"

Why Bayern Pursued the Complaint

Bayern filed the complaint for two stated reasons. Firstly, the club demanded that the derogatory banner be handed over so that the logo would no longer be in circulation. Secondly, the club ultimately decided to take legal action because it does not tolerate its logo being defaced or disparaged, and because it felt a sense of responsibility toward its own supporters.

The Dispute Is Far From Over

The accused 1860 Munich fan signalled through his lawyer that he has no intention of backing down, issuing a defiant message framed in derby terms.

"A derby lasts 90 minutes. But in court, I would also take on FC Bayern all the way into stoppage time," he said.