Penalty for pyrotechnics! Union Berlin fined heavily, other clubs to be fined

Union Berlin has been fined heavily by the German Football Association (DFB) for pyrotechnics used by fans not only in the match against Heidenheim at the end of September. The German side received a financial penalty of 101,000 euros.

The incidents occurred in a Bundesliga match against Heidenheim on 30 September and in a domestic cup match against Stuttgart on 31 October. In the first case, according to the DFB, Union supporters set off 60 Bengal fires and four smoke bombs. While in the second case 37 pyrotechnic objects were allegedly detonated.

Following a ruling by the DFB’s Sports Court, Union Berlin can use up to €33,600 of the fine for various security measures.

The question is whether the general fight against the truly safe use of pyrotechnics, where fans, for example, hand over used pyrotechnics to firefighters for securing and do not throw them on the playing field, is really necessary in stadiums.

After all, various European competitions often boast about the atmosphere in the stadiums or choreographies containing pyrotechnics. In a sense, this is then actually marked as an advantage of the competition.

In Germany there are much more extensive discussions about pyrotechnics

It should be noted, however, that in Germany there are much more extensive discussions on this subject. Moreover, the Bundesliga is also more open. In fact, if a club requests the use of pyrotechnics in time for a special occasion, the German federation gives the green light.

A few years ago, the German federation also tried an experiment whereby “pyro” would be controlled by designated experts. They even tried pyrotechnics that were not so high in temperature. But then they found it emitted more harmful substances.

However, two other clubs – Heidenheim and Kaiserslautern – were also fined. Heidenheim fans used Bengal fire in the match against Frankfurt, the club had to pay 1 thousand euros. Supporters of the latter club set off 36 torches and the club was fined €22,100.

Source: Bundesliga, DFB