Bengal torches and high punishments: Cottbus fans in criticism!

Bengal torches and high punishments: Cottbus fans in criticism!

The cheering of fans in the football stadium regularly leads to heated debates, especially when it comes to the use of pyrotechnics. The third division game on May 10, 2025 offers a current example between Hansa Rostock and Energie Cottbus, in which the Cottbus supporters caused a sensation with the ignition of over 120 pyrotechnic objects. In the 47th minute, particularly striking 75 Bengal torches were ignited, followed by further ignition during and after the game. However, this fireworks had consequences: the DFB was forced to impose a fine of 42,000 euros against FC Energie Cottbus, which results in a penalty of 350 euros per pyrotechnic device. The association can use up to 14,000 euros for security measures, including proof by December 31, 2025.

like the page Niederlausitz-aktuell.de If the burning of pyrotechnics remains prohibited for security reasons, and the DFB emphasizes the responsibility of the clubs for the behavior of their fans. The discussion about pyrotechnics in German stadiums is by no means new, but a recurring topic in football.

a problem with many facets

But this is not the only time that the DFB is faced with such incidents. In total, since the introduction of the strict measures over seven million euros have been imposed on penalty payments, as the Sportschau.de notes. Numerous clubs are faced with the challenge of setting high fines that can become dangerous for some clubs. This applies in particular to smaller clubs, because in the Regionalliga Northeast alone, the punishments were around 390,000 euros last season.

In the course of the debate about pyrotechnics, Norway started a pilot project that aims to control the controlled legalization of pyrotechnics in stadiums. The prerequisites for this are clearly defined: fans must be over 18 years old, training training and remaining sober, while burning is only allowed in marked areas. This initiative should help to contain unauthorized uses and will be evaluated in the course of the 2025 season.

Where are the fines going?

The fines caused by fans do not only have an impact on the individual clubs. The majority of the punishments flow to the foundations of the DFB, such as the Egidius Braun and Sepp Herberger Foundations. So explains mdr.de that the penalties are decided at the end of the year, as the funds are used. These funds support numerous social projects, including the promotion of blind and visually impaired people in blind football or football holiday freedom for kids.

The discussion about a possible legalization of pyrotechnics in German stadiums continues to be controversial. Fan initiatives such as "Pro Pyro" call for a reform of the bans, but have not yet responded to inquiries. However, the DFB remains strictly against the burning of pyrotechnics, since the dangers and the security risks are too high for everyone involved.

The future of pyrotechnics in football remains exciting. As long as there is no mutual solution, the authorities and clubs will continue to face the challenge of finding the right balance between security and the passionate fan culture.