Man United's Munich air disaster memorial vandalised with items stolen by thieves

A charity has expressed its sadness after items were stolen from a memorial commemorating the Munich air disaster in Germany.

Located at Manchesterplatz, the display honours the 23 victims of the tragedy on 6 February 1958, when a plane bringing Manchester United back from Belgrade crashed following a refuelling stop. Eight United players died in the crash.

The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) said it learned earlier this week that a display case had been vandalised and items stolen. Manchester United offered to fund repairs, but the charity had already arranged to cover the cost.

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.

Eight United players lost their lives in the 1958 crash (Getty)

"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."

Both Manchester United and Munich Police have been contacted for comment.

The disaster led to United having to rebuild their squad under Sir Matt Busby, with the Scot going on to guide the club to their first European Cup triumph 10 years later when they beat Benfica 4-1 after extra time in the 1968 final.

United have since won the Champions League twice more in 1999 and 2008 with Sir Alex Ferguson in charge, but they are currently enduring one of the most difficult periods in their recent history.

The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last eight matches across all competitions, leading to mounting speculation over Michael Carrick’s future.