Thieves smash memorial to Man United's Munich air disaster

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 14:19 · Archive

Thieves smashed a display case at a memorial to the 1958 Munich Air Disaster in Germany and stole commemorative items.

A memorial at Manchesterplatz in Munich commemorating the 1958 Munich Air Disaster has been vandalised and items stolen from its display case. The tragedy, which occurred on 6 February 1958, killed 23 people including eight Manchester United players, after a plane bringing the squad back from a European Cup match in Belgrade crashed during a refuelling stop.

German police report that the display case was smashed with a stone on Monday before being plundered. The Daily Express reports that commemorative medals and a crystal trophy were among items taken, although this has not yet been officially confirmed by police.

The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) expressed its sadness over the incident. Chair Ifty Ahmed said the foundation is 'deeply saddened' by the 'act of vandalism and theft', adding that Manchesterplatz holds 'enormous significance' to the families of those who died and Manchester United supporters worldwide. Manchester United offered to fund repairs, but the foundation arranged to cover the costs itself. Munich Police are in the early stages of their investigation, and no arrests have been made.

How it is being reported

• Man United's Munich air disaster memorial vandalised with items stolen by thievesThe Munich air disaster claimed the lives of 23 people back in February 1958Independent Sport · 30 Oct, 13:57
• Fury as Man United 1958 Munich Disaster memorial plundered by thievesManchesterplatz was supposed to be untouchable, but someone shattered the glass and took what grief had kept sacred for decades.Daily Express · 30 Oct, 10:54

In this story: Manchester United · Munich · Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation · Ifty Ahmed · Belgrade · Sir Matt Busby

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