During the away game against FC Schalke 04, VfL Bochum fans tried to cheer on their team. That will now prove costly.

VfL Bochum fans provided impressive images before the local derby against FC Schalke 04 (1:2) in August.

During the game, but especially when the teams entered the field, the traveling fans set off a large amount of pyrotechnics. About two months later, the club is paying the price for the use of prohibited items. The German Football Association (DFB) has fined the second division soccer club €55,000 for the fans’ misconduct.

As usual, VfL can use one-third of the sum—€18,500—for its own security and violence prevention measures. The DFB Sports Court’s ruling is already legally binding. The rule makers counted a total of 84 lit pyrotechnic devices and three rockets fired by Bochum fans during the game at Schalke. The penalty is €600 per item and €1,500 per rocket fired.

VfL lost the match on the third match day of the current season in Gelsenkirchen 1-2 after taking the lead and missing a penalty. The Bochum fans not only set off massive amounts of pyrotechnics, but also spoke out against DFB penalties for fan misconduct. “Abolish association penalties” was written on a banner rolled out during the game.

But now VfL Bochum has been asked to pay up again. The €55,000 is the first penalty of the current season. Last season, all penalties against the club totaled €172,200. Only four Bundesliga clubs had to pay less. A total of ten incidents were punished. This was a significant decrease compared to the 2023/24 season (€330,600).

When looking at their bank account, those responsible will be hoping that the fans will show restraint for the rest of the current season.