Cologne hit with $640,000 fine for pyrotechnics at derby v Gladbach

Cologne have been fined 595,000 euros ($641,529) for setting off pyrotechnics at their October home game against Borussia Moenchengladbach, the Bundesliga club said on Wednesday, after a criminal complaint from the German Football Association (DFB).

“For the active fan scene, the use of pyrotechnics is part of football and fan culture. But: No red lines must be crossed,” Cologne managing director Christian Keller said.

“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.”