DFB Upholds Heavy Sanctions and Security Measures After Dynamo Dresden-Hertha BSC Violence

The German Football Association (DFB) has reaffirmed strict penalties following violent incidents during the April 4, 2026, 2. Bundesliga match between Dynamo Dresden and Hertha BSC Berlin. The DFB Sports Court has rejected Dynamo Dresden's appeal against the sanctions imposed on May 20, highlighting that the match’s disturbances were unacceptable in football stadiums.

During the match, which Hertha won 1-0, significant pyrotechnic use and crowd violence led to police intervention and injuries. Consequently, Hertha was fined €152,000, while Dynamo Dresden was fined €91,200. Moreover, Dynamo faces partial spectator restrictions for their next two home games, but the ban on the second game's fans is suspended until summer 2027.

Both clubs are mandated to develop a joint security concept for future fixtures and reduce the number of tickets available to visiting supporters. Dresden had contested the spectator bans as collective punishment, but the DFB Sports Court, led by Chairman Stephan Oberholz, found no grounds to overturn the decisions and stressed that such scenes are unacceptable in stadiums.

The ruling can still be appealed to the DFB Bundesgericht within a week, but for now, the sanctions remain firmly in place to ensure improved security and prevent similar incidents in future matches.