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Cologne crack down on fans after derby disruption

Harding, JonathanFebruary 16, 2015

Cologne have responded strongly to the action of their fans in Gladbach, banning the 'Boyz' fan club. The offenders had lit flares and stormed the pitch after the 1-0 derby defeat last Saturday.

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Bundesliga Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. 1. FC Köln
Image: picture-alliance/AP/Martin Meissner

Bundesliga club Cologne have taken drastic measures after the fans lit flares and stormed the field at the end of their derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday.

The club have revoked the fan-club status of 'Boyz', have thrown them out of the 'Fankultur' group, and are investigating the possibility of banning the 40-known offenders from the home game against Hannover 96 on the coming weekend.

"FC justifies its drastic measures because of repeated, intentional club-damaging behaviour from within the ranks of the Boyz," read a club statement on Monday morning. "Leading members of the group were involved in the use of illegal pyrotechnic as well as pitch invasions after the final whistle at both the derby in Mönchengladbach as well as in other mass organised events."

All those involved in the events will be subject to the same ramifications, even if they weren't part of the group. Considerations are also being made as to whether or not to revoke the 'Boyz' season tickets, as well as ban them from the club all together. The German FA (DFB) have also started an investigation into events and the club could receive a punishment as severe as playing a ghost game (one without supporters).

The club added that they had made the decision with "the overwhelming majority of its fans and members. We don't sit at the table with offenders."

jh/apc (SID, dpa)