Würzburg Kickers Cop Seat-empty Sanction Over Pyro Chaos
Stadiums devoid of spectators host games for Würzburger Kickers following post-pyrotechnic incidents - Following the pyro incident, Würzburg kickers faced an empty stadium.
Here's the lowdown on the situation: The Bavarian Football Association (BFV) has slapped a spectator ban on Würzburg Kickers' home games following the pyrotechnics incidents at the Regionalliga match against 1. FC Schweinfurt.
The BFV has made it clear that any appeals against the decision won't halt the impact of the spectator ban. They're aiming to make a "bold statement" with this crowd control measure.
Last week's match at Schweinfurt’s Sachs Stadium, which witnessed a 2:1 win for the hosts, saw Würzburg supporters lobbing pyrotechnics and explosives during the chaotic final minutes.
A point deduction and a stadium ban are possibilities as per the BFV's legal representative. He slammed the spectator misconduct as "grave fan behavior" and a "major breach of stadium decorum."
Würzburg Kickers, on the other hand, are planning to challenge the spectator ban. "We're convinced that the club’s ongoing safety measures would have maintained a peaceful and responsible ambiance during the home fixture," stated the Kickers. They believe slapping collective penalties isn't fair, as it punishes the peaceful fans too.
The BFV understands that the ban will hit innocent fans hard, but sees no other way to send a firm message and shield the very fans it aims to protect.
Würzburg Kickers' leadership had earlier strongly condemned the pyro incidents initiated by their own supporters. "We wholly disassociate ourselves from these so-called fans and will take all necessary steps to identify and hold the culprits accountable," the statement read. They regarded the incidents as "totally unacceptable" and a "blatant transgression of all boundaries."
Würzburg Kickers
Regionalliga
1. FC Schweinfurt
Bavaria
Würzburg
Pyrotechnics
Bavarian Football Association
- The Bavarian Football Association (BFV) has imposed a spectator ban on the Würzburg Kickers' home games in the Regionalliga, following the pyrotechnics incidents at their match against 1. FC Schweinfurt in Bavaria.
- Würzburg Kickers are planning to challenge the spectator ban, believing that collective penalties are unjust as they punish the peaceful fans alongside the culprits.
- The Bavarian Football Association's legal representative has stated that a point deduction and a stadium ban are possibilities, as the spectator misconduct was considered "grave fan behavior" and a "major breach of stadium decorum."
- Despite the concern that the ban will impact innocent fans, the BFV sees it as the only way to send a firm message and shield fans from similar incidents in future football matches in EC countries.
