DFB President comments on pyro at cup final: "Not enjoyable"

Football match discussed. - DFB President comments on pyro at cup final: "Not enjoyable"

The president of the German Football Association (DFB), Bernd Neuendorf, has criticized the excessive use of fireworks by Kaiserslautern's fans during their team's loss to Bayer Leverkusen in Saturday's cup final. In an interview on Welt TV, Neuendorf said, "That behavior doesn't belong on the soccer field. It's not fun, it's dangerous."

Neuendorf revealed that ten people among the 74,322 attendees at the sold-out Berlin Olympic Stadium received medical attention due to firecrackers and rockets being set off during the game. The treated attendees suffered from eye irritation and minor burns, according to Neuendorf. "I hope that this incident will make some people think twice about their actions," he added, expressing concern that it often takes a negative event to motivate change.

Kaiserslautern's backers initially showcased a dazzling choreography before unleashing a barrage of pyrotechnics. Leverkusen's supporters also set off fireworks in their section.

FCK's managing director Thomas Hengen had previously voiced concern about the growing pyrotechnic misconduct in professional soccer: "It's been getting worse every year. I don't think it can keep going like this." During the previous season, the DFB's sports court imposed fines almost every week for prohibited pyrotechnics at games in the first and second leagues. "I understand that this is a hassle for the clubs," said Neuendorf. "The issue is tricky to tackle. The fans consider it a part of their fan culture."

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1. The DFB Cup final between 1st FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer 04 Leverkusen took place in the Olympic Stadium Berlin on a controversial Sunday.
2. Despite the cup final being held in North Rhine-Westphalia, Kaiserslautern's supporters brought pyrotechnics to the match, which originates from their Rhineland-Palatinate homeland.
3. The German Football Association (DFB) President, Bernd Neuendorf, expressed his displeasure with the excessive use of pyrotechnics during the match, stating it was neither enjoyable nor safe.
4. Neuendorf mentioned that ten individuals among the 74,322 audience members needed medical attention due to the misuse of fireworks, including two with serious eye injuries.
5. Despite the DFB's efforts to address the issue of prohibited pyrotechnics in professional soccer, with fines regularly imposed in both the first and second leagues, fan culture remains a complex factor.
6. The incident resulted in mounting pressure on Kaiserslautern's managing director, Thomas Hengen, who had voiced concerns about the escalating issue and its impact on player safety.
7. Bayer Leverkusen eventually emerged victorious in the cup final, bringing an end to a historic conflict between the two teams.
8. Despite the challenging circumstances, the German Football Association (DFB) remains committed to addressing the issue and finding a solution that balances fan culture with safety and enjoyment.
9. This incident serves as a reminder that while pyrotechnics can add excitement to a football match, they must be used responsibly to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

Source: www.stern.de