FC Köln have been fined €595,000 for their fans’ use of pyrotechnics during their derby match against Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this season, the club have announced.
The fans’ pyro display began just before kick-off and delayed the match by six minutes due to smoke coverage on the pitch. Of the €595,000 Köln have to pay, €195,000 has to go towards their own security or violence prevention measures.
In reaction to the ruling, the club believe the fine is far too big and misses the point.
Managing director Christian Keller said: “In our view, this approach absolutely misses the point. The awarding of association penalties in this form is far removed from the reality of German football and fan culture.” He continued: “We will therefore continue to actively and vigorously advocate for a sensible adaptation of the sentencing guidelines and for an appropriate way of dealing with this culture.”
Köln will apply to the DFB in order to get the fine reduced.
GGFN | Jamie Allen
