The disciplinary investigation into match interruptions caused by fan protests against the entry of an investor in the German Football League (DFL) continues. Union Berlin has now also been asked to pay
The sports court of the German Football Association has imposed a record fine of 60,000 euros on Union Berlin. A total of six clubs from the three highest German leagues were asked to pay on Wednesday.
In the “Union case”, the first DFB instance punished “unsportsmanlike conduct” on the part of supporters of the “Eisern” in single-judge proceedings. Incidents involving thrown objects such as tennis balls at four matches were punished with individual fines of up to 20,000 euros. The highest total fine to date was imposed on champions Bayern Munich in the previous week at 40,000 euros.
In addition to Berlin, VfL Wolfsburg must also pay a fine from the Bundesliga. The Wolves must transfer 10,000 euros to Frankfurt. Of the second division clubs, HSV must pay 5,000 euros and SV Elversberg 600 euros. Third division club MSV Duisburg were fined 7500 euros, while their league rivals Erzgebirge Aue have to pay a fine of 300 euros
Punishment of the protests is controversial
The punishment for the protest actions is controversial. Immediately after the investor deal was canceled and the protests ended, representatives of several clubs pleaded for the actions, some of which had gotten out of hand, not to be punished. However, as investigations had already been initiated at this point, such requests already seemed unrealistic.
Last week, the DFB announced the imposition of sanctions. According to the association, the control committee had “agreed on a uniform line for dealing with delays in matches, which is also supported by the DFB presidium”. The first sentences for the fan protests were handed down last Thursday.
