Police in Munich have opened an investigation after fans of Italian club Lazio were filmed making Nazi salutes in a bar in the city on the eve of their Champions League match against Bayern Munich, acccording to RMC Sport.
The incident took place at the Hofbräuhaus, a famous beer hall in Munich that is also known for its historical significance. In 1920, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party held their first public meeting at the Hofbräuhaus.
The footage of the Lazio fans making Nazi salutes was widely condemned on social media. Bayern Munich released a statement saying that the club “strongly condemns any form of racism and discrimination.”
Lazio also released a statement, saying that the club “does not tolerate any form of racism or anti-Semitism.” The club said that it would “take all necessary measures to identify and punish those responsible” for the Nazi salutes.
The incident is the latest in a series of racist incidents involving Lazio fans. In 2019, the club was fined €20,000 by UEFA after fans made racist chants during a Europa League match.
Around 100 Lazio fans at the Hofbräuhaus brewery in Munich ahead of their match against Bayern Munich tonight. It is the same venue where Hitler founded the National Socialist German Workers’ Party in 1920. pic.twitter.com/PQYoQ9yTxE
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