Cologne fans ignite pyrotechnics: DFB threatens drastic sanctions!

Cologne fans ignite pyrotechnics: DFB threatens drastic sanctions!

The 1. FC Köln is again in the crossfire of criticism after the German Football Association (DFB) imposed a fine of over 300,000 euros 14 days ago due to misconduct by its fans. This punishment is the result of massive violations of the security regulations, in particular the burning of pyrotechnics in the stadium. In view of the repeated incidents, the club, which last lost 0-1 in a game against Hannover 96, may face even more serious consequences. The game could not be kicked off on time due to a red fog caused by the ignited pyrotechnics, which led to a further violation of the regulations. The referee had to boast the game with a delay of three minutes, such as "https://come-on-fc.com/featined/doht-dem-1-fc-koeln-nun-der-zuschauerausschlung/"> Come-on-fc.com

The DFB has already announced that additional sanctions are considered in the event of further offenses. Although a viewer exclusion is discussed as a possible punishment, this option is considered rather unlikely, since the processes for sanctions usually take several weeks or even months. The club management has not yet commented on the specific penalty payments, although the DFB for the first division season 2023/24 officially specifies fines of 725,750 euros, which are mainly due to the burning of pyrotechnics. Each fired fireworks are punished with 1,500 euros, which illustrates the dimension of the problem.

fans in criticism

The discussion about pyrotechnics is not new in the fan scene of 1. FC Köln. Many supporters see the burning of fireworks as part of their fan culture. Nevertheless, there are always allegations that such actions not only violate the security regulations, but also burden the association financially. This shows that in an incident on December 4, hundreds of fireworks were ignited by Ultrafans before a DFB Cup game against Hertha BSC. That evening the penalty could have been over 500,000 euros, which almost half of the premium corresponded to the entry into the DFB quarter-finals, as WDR.de

Managing Director Christian Keller rejected an interview on the fines and is covered by the financial effects. There are voices from the fan scene that accuse the basement, the association "saves". These tensions between the club and fans show how split the opinions on the subject of pyrotechnics are. Volker Lange, former police head of operations in the stadium, also critically commented and found that bringing pyrotechnics with you probably happens with the knowledge of the association. According to him, it was a matter of crimes that could not remain unnoticed.

The situation remains tense, and the continuing violations illustrate the challenges that 1. FC Cologne is facing. Those responsible have to reconcile both the club finances and the expectations and culture of their fan community, while the clock is ticking against them in terms of possible further sanctions.