In the Hofbräuhaus

Hitler salute in Munich: Lazio fans cause a scandal

Lazio fans caused a scandal in Munich(Bild: APA/AFP/Filippo MONTEFORTE)

Supporters of Lazio Rome have caused a scandal in Munich's Hofbräuhaus. Videos show around 100 Roman fans giving the Hitler salute, praising the "Duce" and chanting fascist slogans.

These are explosive videos that were made in the run-up to the Champions League round of 16 second leg between Bayern Munich and Lazio Rome (starting at 9 pm). Hundreds of Lazio supporters sing fascist songs, shout slogans and give the Hitler salute in Munich's Hofbräuhaus. 

The images have caused outrage in Italy and Germany. "The pictures of Lazio fans singing anthems in honor of the Duce and showing the Roman salute at the Champions League match in Munich are a disgrace for Lazio, for all fans and for the city of Rome. I therefore condemn in the strongest possible terms what can be seen and is unfortunately going around the world at the moment," said Rome's sports councillor, Alessandro Onorato. 

Notorious fan community
The fact that the scenes took place in the Hofbräuhaus was an additional explosive factor. The National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) was founded there in 1920. 

Some of Lazio's supporters have repeatedly caused such scandals and are considered part of the fascist scene. They also use the SS sign at their club's matches. The club is officially called S.S. (Societa Sportiva) Lazio.