Bayern Munich in double trouble over banners unfurled during draw against Arsenal

The sheen has been taken off Bayern Munich’s progress into the Quarterfinals of the Champions League with UEFA, the governing body of European Football, investigating two incidents pertaining to banners unfurled in the stands during last night’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

UEFA has confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have started for a banner in the stands which read “Say No To Racism. Say Yes To Kosovo. Accept Kosovo in FIFA, UEFA.”

A poster at Arsenal-Bayern game

This is not the first time that Bayern’s fans have expressed support for Kosovo with the fans unfurling a similar banner during their group game against Viktoria Plzen earlier in 2013.

The official spokesman for UEFA, Pedro Pinto has also confirmed that the governing body has received a report from Football Against Racism in Europe(FARE) regarding a homophobic banner directed at Arsenal and their star Mesut Ozil. The banner featured the words ‘Gay Gunners’ in addition to a less than flattering caricature of Mesut Ozil in front of a cannon.

A homophobic poster of Mesut Ozil at Arsenal-Bayern game

The Bavarian club are reportedly facing a £50,000 fine for the homophobic banner and could also see their next Champions League game being played with a restricted capacity.

UEFA has clamped down heavily on offensive banners this season with Celtic and Ajax both receiving monetary sanctions for inappropriate banners. Ajax were also ordered to play under partial capacity before that decision was reversed.

The reigning European champions will hope that they can have their home support fully behind the team for their Quarterfinal fixture as they await UEFA’s decision on the matter.

Regarding other banner regarding insult against Arsenal, UEFA has received report from FARE and will communicate shortly.

— Pedro Pinto (@PedroPintoUEFA) March 12, 2014