Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Sunday, November 16, 2025 9:47 p.m. / Updated Sunday, November 16, 2025 10:17 p.m.
An unusual and tense scene unfolded in Munich, where Gernot Mang (57), chairman of 1860 Munich (a third-tier team), recounted an “unpleasant” meeting with Herbert Hainer (71), chairman of Bayern Munich.
The incident happened during a conference organized by Munchner Abendzeitung, where representatives of professional clubs from Bavaria participated.
The president of Bayern did not recognize the official of the 1860 Munich club
Mang, who is currently in charge at the 3. Liga club, explained that he politely introduced himself to Hainer, and the Bayern official's reaction left him speechless:
“At the end of the conference, Mr. Hainer appeared. I introduced myself, and he asked, 'Who are you? Since 1860? And what are you doing there?'” Mang recounted.
His answer was short: “Exactly the same as you: I am the president.”
Mang emphasized that he found Hainer's reaction disrespectful:
“I would say out of respect he should have known who the club leaders were. Everyone else knew that.
A little modesty would do that club good”, said the official of the club from the third football echelon in Germany, according to vol.at.
According to German media reports, the tension escalated when Hainer said goodbye by stressing that he “has to go to Paris for the Champions League”, in a remark interpreted as a show of superiority over the other Bavarian clubs.
An old but dormant rivalry
Bayern and 1860 Munich are historic rivals, but their paths have completely diverged in recent years. Two decades ago they shared the city rivalry and the same Bundesliga scene, but today they are separated by two leagues.
The last official meeting between the two clubs took place in 2008, in the German Cup, a match Bayern won 1-0.
In the Bundesliga, the last duels date back to the 2003/04 competitive season, and Bayern prevailed both times with the same score, 1-0.
TSV 1860 Munich haven't played in the first division for 22 years and are now active in League 3.
