The violent fan riots with 32 injuries before the Conference League game at OGC Nice will keep 1. FC Köln busy for a long time. UEFA has now initiated investigations against both FC and the French.
According to the kicker, UEFA announced on Friday that it had initiated disciplinary proceedings against both clubs. Officially, the investigations focus on “throwing objects”, “burning off fireworks or other objects” and other “interference by spectators”. Nice is also accused of other misconduct, such as a lack of security personnel.
The Cologne police are actively involved in the investigation with a specially set up investigative team and have, among other things, set up an information portal where witnesses can upload cell phone videos and pictures and help identify the perpetrators.
The FC itself is also involved in the active processing of the riots. According to the club, it is about “researching the background, questioning processes, collecting different perspectives and coordinating possible measures with security authorities and associations.” For this purpose, corresponding investigations had already begun shortly after the end of the game. In addition, the club has contacted the relevant security agencies, UEFA and the fan scene.
Nevertheless, the investigations can last “for several weeks,” the Cologne-based company asked for patience. Managing director Christian Keller again repeated his accusation to the French authorities that the local security authorities and the OGC Nice “didn’t hear” warnings from FC. “Potential risks and gaps in the security concept have been pointed out several times” by the Cologne side.
Meanwhile, the perpetrators are expecting severe punishment, as Keller announced immediately after the riots: “You must never, ever come back to the stadium – at least not to Cologne.”
This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as After the riots: UEFA launches investigations into Cologne and Nice.
