Real robbed in Allianz Arena

MUNICH, Germany    ●    Munich police are investigating the theft of several pairs of boots belonging to Real Madrid’s stars which were stolen from Bayern Munich’s stadium before their Champions League clash.

Bayern’s Mario Gomez netted the winner in the 88th-minute on Tuesday at the Allianz Arena to seal Munich’s 2-1 victory over Real in the first-leg of their semi-final with the return leg in Madrid next Wednesday.

But Real had a nasty surprise just before kick-off as Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema allegedly had belongings stolen from their changing room before the semi-final first leg at the Allianz Arena last night.

Real have pointed the finger at Bayern, who have contacted the police to clear up the matter.

“We are now trying to look at who can give us advice in the matter,” police spokesman Wolfgang Wenger confirmed to SID, an AFP subsidiary.

“We are in contact with Real.”

According to Spanish daily sports paper Marca, Real have already complained to European football’s governing body UEFA.

In the meantime a Bavarian radio presenter has sent a pair of traditional Bavarian brogues to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Real Madrid forward allegedly had three pairs of football boots stolen before his side’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Bayern 1 presenter Stephan Lehmann, who is also the Bayern Munich stadium announcer, appealed today to his listeners for a pair of brogues to send to Ronaldo and some were donated by a shoe maker, the radio station said on its website.

“We need Bavarian brogues, size 43, for the most expensive footballer in the world,” Lehmann said.

The package also included a personal note to Ronaldo, telling him he would look “really snazzy” in the new shoes.

It read: “Dear Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Hospitable people live here in Bavaria. We may steal maypoles, but not shoes. We therefore wanted to replace what you lost. Here are a pair of genuine Bavarian brogues for you. With them you won’t be able to score any goals, but you will look really snazzy.

“Kind regards, Stephan Lehmann and the Bayern 1 team.”