“Looks so creepy” |
Fan dispute over new Bayern mascot
Has Bayern told the fans a bear…?
The record champions presented an innovation for the first home game: mascot “Berni” suddenly looked completely different, now has a big grin on his face and a haunting look.
This causes a lot of discussion among the fans – not everyone is enthusiastic about the new Berni!
The club presented the new bear with a funny social media video: Thomas Müller (32) and Manuel Neuer (36) are training Berni, Leroy Sané (26) is looking for new clothes for him, Alphonso Davies (21) is styling his hair – that’s it the new Bernie.
Even with the comments under the post, opinions differ widely: some write “fresh” and “sweet”, others say “that’s no longer our Berni” and “did you kidnap him from the ghost train?”
Some fans even started a petition on “change.org”: “We want our old Berni back”. So far, she only has around 200 supporters.
BILD asked Bavariafans to see what they think of the new Berni. Julina Moore (24) from Upper Palatinate: “I would like to have old Berni back. The new guy doesn’t fit Bayern, he looks totally creepy.”
She is not alone with this opinion. FCB fan Dennis Krinninger (35): “Berni just looks ugly, as if he had taken botox. Especially for children it seems creepy,” says the family man.
Steffi Pittner (39) also sees it this way: “Changes are not always good.” When BILD asked cult fan Bayern-Ryan (39), the supporter, who became known for his Bayern glass eye, replies clearly: “You mean Botox Berni? I’m not a fan of his and I want the old man back. The club changed something that wasn’t needed. The old one was just better.”
April 2015: Ex-Bayern professional Dante cuddles with old “Berni”
In the social networks, however, there is also encouragement for the modern Berni look.
Why did Bayern actually change Berni at all? The club says it is an absolutely normal process in the industry for there to be an overhaul or adjustment at certain intervals.
“Berni” has been the successor to “Bazi” since 2004 and is present at all home and away games. Especially the children love the cuddly bear. But you have to get used to the new one first…
