DFB fines HSV and St. Pauli over pyrotechnic chaos in Bundesliga derby

German football clubs faced disciplinary action after widespread use of pyrotechnics at recent Bundesliga matches. At the Eintracht Frankfurt‑VfB Stuttgart game, illegal fireworks injured three spectators, prompting a criminal investigation and prompting the club to consider stricter security measures, including the possibility of eliminating standing areas, as suggested by former board member Wolfgang Steubing.

Separately, the German Football Association's (DFB) sports court imposed heavy fines on Hamburger SV (€253,000) and FC St. Pauli (€359,000) for fan‑triggered pyrotechnics during their city‑derby on 23 January. Portions of the penalties may be allocated to safety and violence‑prevention programmes, with proof of expenditure required by the end of the year. Both clubs retain the right to appeal the rulings.