Drastic fine for Cologne: 595,000 euros for pyrotechnics

1st FC Cologne - Drastic fine for Cologne: 595,000 euros for pyrotechnics

Bundesliga soccer club 1. FC Köln intends to apply for a reduction of the drastic penalty imposed by the DFB Control Committee. The club was served with an application for a fine of 595,000 euros for setting off pyrotechnics at the home match in the derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach. The club could invest 198,000 euros of this amount in its own security and violence prevention measures.

FC managing director Christian Keller admitted that a red line had been crossed by the fans concerned. "This has also resulted in enormous financial damage. The high fine hits FC very hard on the way to the fastest possible economic recovery," said Keller, who criticized the association's sanctions.

"Handing out fines in this form is far removed from the reality of German soccer and fan culture. That is why we will continue to actively and emphatically campaign for a sensible adjustment of the penalty guidelines and for an appropriate approach to this very culture," explained Keller. The club will therefore apply to the DFB Control Committee to significantly reduce the penalty. This was announced by the club on Wednesday.

Club statement

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1. The DFB Control Committee imposed a fine of 595,000 euros on German Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach's rival, 1. FC Cologne, for pyrotechnics used during their derby match.
2. Christian Keller, the managing director of 1. FC Cologne, admitted that fans crossed a line by using pyrotechnics and criticized the DFB's severe sanctions.
3. North Rhine-Westphalia-based 1. FC Cologne plans to appeal the fine, which they believe is too harsh and not in line with the reality of German soccer and fan culture.
4. Keller stated that 1. FC Cologne could invest 198,000 euros of the fine toward its own security and violence prevention measures.
5. Bundesliga soccer clubs like 1. FC Cologne and Borussia Mönchengladbach will continue to face scrutiny regarding fan behavior and desired adjustments to penalty guidelines.

Source: www.stern.de