When the Dragons roar: FCB flame burns brightly in London too

Sometimes it only takes one player to change a life. For Paul Wheeler, it was Jürgen Klinsmann. When the striker moved from Tottenham Hotspur to FC Bayern in 1995, the young London fan followed him - and stayed. Today, three decades later and ahead of the Champions League showdown against Arsenal (Wednesday, 21:00 CET), Wheeler is the head of the Red Dragons London fan club and says: "Bayern is more than just a club for me, it's my second home."

His fan club was founded in 2013 out of a desire to create a contact point for Bayern supporters in the Premier League stronghold. It didn't take long to find a name. "We wanted something that stood for strength, pride and passion," says Wheeler: "Like dragons that roar."

The community currently has 25 members. Their official home is in the “Bermondsey Bierkeller”, a pub not far from London Bridge with Bavarian beer, hearty meals and big screens for every Bayern game. When the Dragons meet here, it gets loud - chants echo throughout the cellar and British reserve remains at the door.

Where the dragons roar

Wheeler has two football loves: Tottenham and Bayern. "But Bayern never let me go," he says. It meant Harry Kane's transfer in the summer of 2023 was a special moment for him. "It was bittersweet for us in England. A loss for Spurs, but a huge gain for Bayern and a wonderful moment for all English fans who identify with the Bundesliga." His personal highlight, however, was a visit to Säbener Straße, where he met Thomas Müller, Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies. "A dream," he says: "These players embody everything that makes Bayern special - down-to-earth, humour, a winning mentality."

The Red Dragons London always meet up when Bayern matches are broadcast in the UK, which is unfortunately not often the case due to TV rights. But when it does happen, it turns into a celebration. They drink Bavarian beer, eat pork knuckle and sing the club anthem. Wheeler himself has a ritual: "I always wear the same scarf, the same cap. It brings us good luck."

The Red Dragons maintain a friendly relationship with Paul Yates, the leader of the other official FC Bayern UK fan club. They swap stories, organise joint meetings and support each other at away games. "We're a family that spans the island," says Wheeler.

London Calling - Recommendations for Bayern fans

Anyone who visits London quickly realises that this city is as multifaceted as FC Bayern itself. History and modernity, royals and street art, sophisticated culture and pub culture - everything is just a few underground stations apart. "London is huge, but endearing," says Wheeler. "You can have a good conversation on every corner here, about football too."

His recommendations for Bayern fans: the Bermondsey Bierkeller (2-4 Tooley St.) as the official home of the Red Dragons, where Bavarian atmosphere is guaranteed; the Munich Cricket Club (1 Abbey Orchard St.) with German cuisine and beer; plus Tower Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace - the classic landmarks, all easily accessible by the Underground. If you still have energy after the game, you should pop into Soho or Covent Garden. The nightlife there pulsates with music, street food and English humour.

The game will be played at Emirates Stadium in the north London borough of Islington. The best way to get there from the city centre is to take the Piccadilly Line (Arsenal station) or the Victoria Line (Highbury & Islington station), both just a few minutes' walk away. Around 60,000 spectators can fit into the arena, which becomes one of the loudest stadiums in Europe on Champions League nights. For visitors, Wheeler recommends: "Get there early, enjoy the moment and wear your Bayern colours with pride. The English fans are loud, but fair."

Mia san mia - made in London

When the Red Dragons London’cheer together, it feels like Munich in miniature, only with an English accent. For the members, Kane, Müller, Klinsmann and Bastian Schweinsteiger are the big names - past and present in one breath.

"The FC Bayern attitude also helps me in everyday life"

"For me, Mia san mia means: we are who we are and we're not ashamed of it," says Wheeler. "This attitude also helps me in everyday life. It reminds me to stay honest, proud and positive and to be true to myself."

And if you're a Bayern fan in London, you're welcome to get in touch (reddragonslondon@gmail.com). The Red Dragons are happy to welcome anyone who drops by in red. And so the Dragons roar on: loudly, passionately and in red. Because even in the heart of London it’s true: Mia san mia. Wherever you are.

Enjoy the build up to the game with our live blog: