Karlsruher SC has filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons in response to the pyrotechnic offences committed by its fans, which injured ten spectators before the recent match against St. Pauli (4:4).

Nine people suffered smoke poisoning and one spectator was burned.

“The extent of what happened, and in particular the injuring of people, represents for us the crossing of a red line. We condemn the action in the strongest possible terms and distance ourselves from it,” said KSC managing director Michael Becker: “We have therefore filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons and are fully supporting the authorities in their investigations.”

In addition to the exchange with the authorities, a discussion has already taken place with the fan project and the “Supporters”. The KSC also appeals to “all fans to also support the investigation and pass on any relevant information to the investigating authorities”.

The burning of pyrotechnics had caused the match to start a quarter of an hour late. The KSC must expect to be severely punished by the German Football Association (DFB).