DFB overturn St Pauli’s stadium punishment

The German Football Federation (DFB) yesterday overturned their decision to force Bundesliga side St Pauli to play behind closed doors as punishment for a fan attack on an assistant referee.

The punishment came after St Pauli’s German league game against Schalke 04 on April 1 was abandoned when an assistant referee was hit in the back by a cup full of beer thrown by a supporter.

In the wake of the attack, the DFB had said Hamburg-based St Pauli must host Werder Bremen in the north Germany derby on April 23 at their Millerntor Stadium with no fans present.

But after a three-hour hearing, the DFB sports court decided St Pauli must now host their first home game of next season at a ground at least 50 kilometres from Hamburg and with no more than 12,500 spectators present.

St Pauli, second from bottom, are at fellow relegation candidates Wolfsburg tomorrow.