The son of Manchester United legend Nobby Stiles has condemned the theft of valuable items, including medals, from a display case at the Munich Air Disaster memorial in Manchesterplatz, Munich. German police are believed to be investigating the incident.
Munich Police told German media that the glass was smashed with a stone and the incident is believed to have happened between 08:00 and 13:00 local time on Monday, 26 October. The memorial marks the site where the plane crashed on take-off on 6 February 1958 after refuelling on its return from a European Cup match in Belgrade.
Family and Foundation React
Nobby's son John Giles, 62, of Doncaster, a former Leeds United player, said: "It is sickening to think that anyone could do that. I am shocked and saddened that people could steal from a tribute which is such an emotional thing for so many. It is sad to find out that anyone could do such a thing."
The Manchester United Memorial Foundation said it was unclear exactly how many medals were missing. Its chairman Ifty Ahmed said: "They don't understand the damage that they've caused." He added that the memorial had provided solace for families who lost loved ones in the crash and said: "And whatever they've taken from inside the showcase, they haven't taken our memories." He urged those responsible to return the stolen items, saying they mean so much to Manchester United supporters and families of those killed in the Munich air disaster.
Details of the Theft
Mark Salzmann, chairman of Red Docs Munich, a Bayern Munich supporters' group which helps care for the memorial, said his mother discovered the damage while driving past. Salzmann said a glass sculpture originally presented to Munich's former mayor, Dieter Reiter, was among the stolen items.
Ahmed said it was still unclear exactly how many medals were missing. He said Manchester United had 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, according to the foundation. Ahmed said supporters of Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds had also sent messages of support.
Memorial's Significance
Eight Manchester United players were among 23 passengers killed in the Munich air crash in 1958. A memorial stone was installed in 2004, while the display case was added in 2020 and officially inaugurated in 2023. About 1,500 people from around the world attended the annual remembrance service at Manchesterplatz in February, according to the foundation.
Salzmann said the messages of support he had received showed how important the memorial was, adding that the connection between Manchester and Munich "will never go away".
