Karlsruher SC: 111,600 euros fine for pyrotechnics at the game!

Karlsruher SC: 111,600 euros fine for pyrotechnics at the game!

Recently, Karlsruher SC was hit with a hefty fine of111,600 eurosconfirmed by the German Football Association (DFB). The reason for this penalty is the unsportsmanlike behavior of his fans, which occurred during a second division game on March 1st against 1. FC Köln at least186 pyrotechnic itemsignited. This is not the first incident of this kind for the KSC, which apparently has a real problem with pyrotechnics.

According to ZVW, the club agreed, making the verdict final. Fortunately, they can37,200 eurosthe fine can be used for security or violence prevention measures.

The incidents in detail

Another incident occurred on October 20, 2024, when the DFB sports court imposed a fine of126,000 eurosimposed. At least KSC supporters ignited this50 smoke flares,45 Bengal firesand30 rocketsin the game against SSV Ulm 1846. Here too, the behavior was classified as dangerous, especially after several fans broke into the interior to celebrate with the players. The KSC argued that this happened peacefully. Despite this argument, the sports court considered the misconduct to be significant and dangerous.

Although the KSC claimed mitigating circumstances for entering the interior, the argument was rejected by the judges. Nevertheless, the KSC was supported in its request when entering the interior, as no aggressive tendency was documented.Kickerreports that the sports court also made an approval decision for the KSC.

A devastating result for the DFB

The number and amount of fines for pyrotechnics paint a worrying picture. The DFB has had over since the 2018/2019 seasonseven million eurosof fines imposed. The discussion about pyrotechnics in stadiums is becoming increasingly controversial as many fans see them as part of their football culture. Sportschau notes that the example of Norway in particular, where a pilot project to legalize pyrotechnics was started, is causing discussions. The idea: Burning off pyrotechnics should be permitted under certain conditions, which is not yet possible in Germany.

DFB officials are skeptical about easing the bans and continue to rely on high fines as a deterrent. However, sociologist Stephanie Moldenhauer questions the effectiveness of these punishments and wonders why the use of Bengalos is not decreasing. Whole300 procedureswere initiated last season alone, which underlines the urgency of the issue.

Overall, the KSC is now encountering serious financial challenges, which cast several of its stadium visits and fan celebrations in a serious light. It remains to be seen whether the club can take the necessary measures to avoid similar incidents in the future while encouraging fan engagement.