1. FC Köln have been given a record-breaking fine after their fans' pyro display ahead of the club's derby match against Borussia Monchengladbach.
The German Bundesliga side will have to pay more than half-a-million euros for the eye-catching pre-match display, which you can watch below. You can also see our best photos of the pyro at the bottom of this article.
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Incredible FC Köln pyro display vs Borussia Monchengladbach
It's an incredible sight, filled with red smoke, constant fireworks and huge billows of smoke. Imagine walking out to play in that!
1. FC Köln have received a record-breaking fine for their fans' use of pyrotechnics ahead of the Derby against Gladbach.
The Cologne club will pay a staggering 595,000 (!) euros.
The derby ended with a 3-1 Cologne win.pic.twitter.com/Fo678DV8TE
— Felix Tamsut (@ftamsut) December 13, 2023
Kick-off in the match was delayed by six minutes due to the smoke generated by the South Stand display.
How much have 1. FC Köln been fined for pyro display?
The total fine is an enormous €595,000. This includes €198,000 to be spent on improving the club's security and violence prevention measures.
However, the Cologne club are appealing this decision from the DFB, the German Football Association, who sent a criminal complaint related to the setting off of pyrotechnics.
“In our view, this approach absolutely misses the point,” said 1. FC Köln managing director Christian Keller.
“The awarding of association penalties in this form is far removed from the reality of German football and fan culture.
“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.”
1. FC Köln will appeal to the DFB to reduce the fine.
Keller did admit that this display had crossed a line.
“The derby was intensively prepared by our security and fan representatives as well as the security authorities,” he explained.
“Basically, this case again shows that a general ban on pyrotechnics in football does not have a sufficient effect.
“For the active fan scene, the use of pyrotechnics is part of football and fan culture.
“But: No red lines must be crossed. Specifically, the safety of spectators must always be guaranteed and there must be no impact on the sporting events. These limits were clearly exceeded against Gladbach.
“This also results in enormous financial damage. The high fine hits the FC very hard on its path to economic recovery as quickly as possible.”
Is pyro banned in Germany?
Although English fans sometimes believe pyro to be legal in Germany, it isn't. It is, however, commonplace. Pyro displays are seen across the country every weekend, put on by both home and away supporters.
Best photos of record-breaking German football pyro display
And one other from outside of our collection. X user @MoeBtnr shared this lovely shot.
5/5, gerne wieder. pic.twitter.com/LcVDnYyYoG
— Moritz (@MoeBtnr) December 13, 2023