Spectators Ignite Pyrotechnics in Berlin, Kiel, and Gladbach - Facing Hefty 80,000 Euro Fine!
Bochum, Germany – VfL Bochum Faces Substantial Fine over Pyro Incidents in Away Games
In a series of decisions by the German Football Association's (DFB) Sports Court, VfL Bochum has been ordered to pay a fine of 80,000 euros due to three pyrotechnic incidents during away matches. The fine can be partially offset, up to 26,600 euros, for security or violence prevention initiatives.
The costliest incident occurred during the away game against Holstein Kiel in February which resulted in a 2:2 draw. The persistent use of fireworks in the guest block throughout the game led to a fine of 60,000 euros, with each Bengal light or flare incurring a fine of 1,000 euros.
Apart from this fine, Bochum also faces a penalty of 8,000 euros for the match at Borussia Mönchengladbach in January and an 12,000 euro fine for the ignition of Bengal lights during the game against Union Berlin in December 2024, following a controversial lighter throw at goalkeeper Patrick Drewes.
Additional Penalties and Background
The fines this season, largely due to pyrotechnic incidents, have cumulatively amounted to 133,200 euros for VfL Bochum. There are further fines pending, with fans repeatedly lighting Bengal torches throughout the game in Heidenheim.
In the DFB's fine ranking of "fussballmafia.de", Bochum currently sits in 18th place among all first to third division clubs. Previous verdicts have fined the club for five incidents this season, including the ignition at the game in Dortmund.
The DFB Sports Court has also imposed fines on clubs whose fans set off massive pyrotechnics at Bochum's Ruhrstadion. Union Berlin, for example, was fined 64,000 euros alone for the game at VfL. Overall, Union's fines this season, including for 412 ignited pyro, have reached 519,000 euros, ranking second only behind 1. FC Köln and ahead of Borussia Dortmund, whose fans have cost the club over 542,000 euros in fines with 912 ignited pyro. Bochum has 119 ignited pyro to its name.
The BVB's latest away game in Bochum resulted in an even greater penalty. The Borussia will have to pay 122,000 euros for the extensive pyrotechnic displays and the subsequent almost two-minute game halt.
Contextual Analysis
Pyrotechnic incidents in stadiums pose significant safety risks and violate strict regulations. Clubs are fined for failing to prevent such incidents, which can lead to injuries or damage to facilities. The German Football Association (DFB) and the Deutscher Fußball-Bundesliga (DFL) have stringent rules against pyrotechnics in stadiums.
The fines for VfL Bochum are part of a broader pattern where German football clubs face financial penalties for pyrotechnic incidents due to safety concerns and regulatory violations. The level of fines can vary based on the club's history and the severity of incidents.
VfL Bochum's football matches have attracted not only fans' support but also substantial fines due to pyrotechnic incidents. These incidents, such as the use of Bengal lights during games against Holstein Kiel, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Union Berlin, have contributed to European-league fines totaling 133,200 euros this season.
