UEFA fails to look on bright side of Bayern fans’ Pythonesque gag, bans ‘Romans Go Home’ flag
By APWednesday, September 15, 2010
UEFA bars Bayern Munich fans’ Monty Python banner
NYON, Switzerland — European soccer’s governing body barred Bayern Munich fans from displaying a Monty Python-inspired banner at Wednesday night’s Champions League match, fearing the sign might offend visiting fans from the Italian club AS Roma.
The Union of European Football Associations said the banner reading “Romani ite domum” — Latin for “Romans Go Home” — was considered provocative.
The slogan references a scene in the movie comedy Monty Python’s “Life of Brian.” UEFA did approve the German fans displaying a “Life of Bayern” flag at the Allianz Arena.
In a statement, UEFA said: “Anything that may cause offense to a fan base or ethnic group, and therefore pose a security risk, including banners or symbols, is carefully vetted.”
Bayern won 2-0 on goals by Thomas Mueller and Miroslav Klose. The German club lost last season’s final 2-0 to Inter Milan.
