1. FC Cologne
This is behind the fan protest against Kwasniok
01/12/2026 – 12:12 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Are the ultras of 1. FC Köln demanding the dismissal of coach Lukas Kwasniok? The club is looking for contact with the active fan scene.
It was one for everyone responsible for the 1. FC Cologne Surprising action by the active fan scene: After the 2-2 draw at 1. FC Heidenheim, the ultra group “Wilde Horde” showed the poster “Kwasni Yok”, which was seen as a negative attitude towards the head coach of the billy goats, Luke Kwasniokwas to be interpreted. “Yok” means “no” in Turkish.
The next day, crisis management was required at FC. Although the Billy Goats have been without a win in the Bundesliga for seven games, they are still in eleventh place in the table – a more than respectable interim result as promoted teams. So why the clear expression of displeasure against Kwasniok, especially since there has not been such a protest banner against an FC coach for many years, despite all the crises and sporting downfalls?
That’s what those responsible for the Billy Goats wanted to know from the fans on Sunday. According to information from the “Geissblog”, there was an exchange between the FC bosses and representatives of the Ultras. The result: The supporters apparently wanted to use the banner to criticize not only the sporting development, but also the coach’s behavior towards the team and individual players, even outside of sports. The poster is said to have been a warning shot, but not a call for expulsion.
At the training camp in Spain, the tense atmosphere around the team and the club was noticeable. Kwasniok drew conclusions after the week in La Nucia and changed the squad in several positions. He also banned a team evening where alcohol should have been served. Nevertheless, the team in Heidenheim showed a committed performance and at least fundamentally supported the coach.
Nevertheless, during discussions between FC officials on Sunday, it apparently emerged that individual players had passed on information – and probably directly or indirectly to the fan scene. The club bosses now want to check this suspicion. The board and management also clearly supported Kwasniok on Sunday and made it clear that they supported his personnel decisions.
At least: The relationship between the Ultras and the FC coach should not be irreparably damaged. Further posters for the two home games against FC Bayern on Wednesday and against Mainz 05 on Saturday were said to have been possible, but are now off the table. There could also be a discussion between the coach and the active fan scene behind closed doors in the coming days.