Glass sculptures and medals have been stolen from a memorial to the 23 people killed in the Munich air disaster, including eight Manchester United players. The items were taken from a display case at Manchesterplatz in Munich, where the plane crashed on take-off on 6 February 1958 after refuelling on its return from a European Cup match in Belgrade. Munich Police told German media the glass was smashed with a stone and said the incident is believed to have happened between 08:00 and 13:00 local time on Monday, 26 October.
The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) said it was "deeply saddened," while its chair, Ifty Ahmed, said the theft had caused emotional harm to families. "They don't understand the damage that they've caused," Ahmed told BBC News. He said the memorial had provided solace for families who lost loved ones in the crash. "And whatever they've taken from inside the showcase, they haven't taken our memories," he said. The foundation said the glass was repaired on the same day, but it is still unclear exactly how many medals are missing.
Mark Salzmann, chairman of Red Docs Munich, a Bayern Munich supporters' group which helps care for the memorial, said his mother discovered the damage while driving past. He said a glass sculpture originally presented to Munich's former mayor, Dieter Reiter, was among the stolen items. The objects were unique and could not easily be replaced, but the group is discussing possible replacements with the foundation.
Ahmed has urged those responsible to return the items, saying they mean a great deal to Manchester United supporters and the families of those killed. Manchester United offered to pay for repairs, but the foundation had already agreed to cover the costs itself. About 1,500 people attended the annual remembrance service at Manchesterplatz in February. Salzmann said the connection between Manchester and Munich "will never go away." The BBC has contacted Munich Police and Manchester United for comment.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing