Munich Air Disaster memorial at Manchesterplatz in Munich Credit: ITV News
A charity has said it is “deeply saddened” after items were stolen from a memorial to the Munich air disaster in the German city.
The memorial display in Manchesterplatz honours the 23 victims of the disaster, which occurred when the plane transporting Manchester United home from a European Cup tie in Belgrade crashed after refuelling in Munich on February 6, 1958.
The tragedy took the lives of eight United players.
The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) said it was notified earlier this week that the memorial display case had been vandalised and that items had been taken.
The MMMF said United had offered to pay for repairs but that it had already agreed to cover the costs.
MMMF chair Ifty Ahmed said: “The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation is deeply saddened by this act of vandalism and theft.
“Manchesterplatz is a place of enormous significance to the families of the 23 people who lost their lives as a result of the Munich air disaster, and to Manchester United supporters across the world.
“We are particularly grateful to our friends in Munich, especially the Red Docs, for their continued care and dedication to this very special place, and for acting so swiftly to repair the damage.
“Those responsible may have damaged a display case and stolen treasured items, but they cannot steal our memories, diminish our friendship or destroy the legacy of those we remember. Their memory will endure, and the bond between Manchester and Munich will remain unbreakable.”
United did not issue an official statement, but club representatives will be attending the MMMF fundraising dinner at Old Trafford on Friday night and will continue to work closely with the charity on plans for the annual commemorative event at Manchesterplatz in February.
Munich Police have been contacted for comment.
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