1. FC Cologne
Kwasniok apologizes: “That was not my intention”
02/25/2026 – 3:52 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Lukas Kwasniok apologizes: The head coach of 1. FC Köln has apologized after his unfortunate appearance after the game against Hoffenheim.
He knew he had to explain himself. Lukas Kwasniok spoke at the press conference before the away game on Wednesday 1. FC Cologne scheduled to give a longer speech at FC Augsburg. The last time he had done this – four days before – it had failed. Now the 44-year-old wanted to put something right.
On Saturday there was an emergency operation at the start of the game between FC and Hoffenheim. A 90-year-old fell in the stadium and had to be resuscitated. A day later it was announced that the FC fan had succumbed to his injuries. As a sign of respect, the fans did not support the game – and Kwasniok initially complained about it.
Now the apology followed. Even before the reporters asked questions, Kwasniok took the time to address the topic himself. “It’s not that easy to find the right words, especially after an emotional game. That’s why I want to make up for it now,” he said.
“The communication situation was confusing for us during and after the game. We have now heard that the FC fan has died,” Kwasniok continued. “And it’s natural to express my condolences to the relatives at the right moment and wish them a lot of strength. There is nothing worse than losing a loved one.”
Kwasniok also tried to classify his speech from last Saturday. But he later spoke to the fan again: “I was asked about the support from the Südkurve. I was just extremely looking forward to the game and the support from the Süd. My monologue should be aimed at that,” said Kwasniok. “We, as newcomers, are at a disadvantage without the South. One of the main reasons why I became a coach here is the emotional stadium, this positive craziness.” And further: “We need the fans to stay in the league.”
On Wednesday, Kwasniok wanted to show understanding for the ultras on the one hand and, on the other hand, do justice to the human context of Saturday’s drama. “I underestimated it at that moment and therefore apologized today for not having done that in the same form during the game.” And finally he said: “I apologize if I offended anyone or ignored something. That was not my intention. There are two things that are more important than football: the birth and the death of a human being.”
