DFB reduces penalty for Erzgebirge Aue after appeal

One day before FC Erzgebirge Aue's third division match against Hallescher FC, the German Football Association's sports court has reduced a fine for the Saxons. Aue had received the fine due to incidents from the first leg in Halle on September 17 last year. Following an appeal by the club, the original fine of 23,000 euros has now been reduced to 19,500 euros, of which 6,500 euros can be used for preventative measures against racism and discrimination.

Georg Schierholz, who presided over the hearing, commented on the reasons for the ruling: "During the course of the hearing, it became clear that the provocation that preceded the discriminatory, unsportsmanlike conduct was more serious than previously assumed. We have taken this into account in the sentencing."

The Auer fans had been accused of displaying a banner with discriminatory content. In addition, some of them shouted a discriminatory chant in the 85th minute in the direction of the Halle supporters.