A glass sculpture and medals have been stolen from a memorial commemorating the 23 people killed in the 1958 Munich air disaster, including eight Manchester United players. The theft occurred 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 said the glass display case was smashed with a rock and the items were taken between 08:00 and 13:00 local time on Monday 26 October 2026. The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) said it was "deeply saddened" by the incident. Foundation chair Ifty Ahmed told BBC News the theft had caused emotional harm to families of the victims, adding: "Whatever they've taken from inside the showcase, they haven't taken our memories."
Mark Salzmann, chairman of Red Docs Munich, a Bayern Munich supporters' group that helps maintain the memorial, said his mother discovered the damage while driving past. He confirmed a glass sculpture originally presented to Munich's former mayor Dieter Reiter was among the stolen items. The group collects tributes left by visitors and places some in the display case.
Ahmed said it was still unclear exactly how many medals were missing. Manchester United offered to pay for repairs, but the foundation had already agreed to cover the costs itself. The broken glass was replaced on the same day. Supporters of Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds also sent messages of support.
A memorial stone was installed in 2004, while the display case was added in 2020 and officially inaugurated in 2023. About 1,500 people attended the annual remembrance service at Manchesterplatz in February, according to the foundation. Police have made no arrests and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
