German FA investigates Union ultras and Hertha's Ascacibar following incidents during Berliner derby
Two incidents from Easter Sunday's Berliner Derby are currently being investigated by the DFB's disciplinary arm.
While the fourth official Berliner derby to take place in the Bundesliga over the weekend left many disappointed with the overall quality of football, there did undeniably exist plenty of colorful intensity both on and off the pitch. The German FA's control committee is currently weighing repercussions for two separate incidents.
The DFB's control committee joins the local police in investigating the source of fireworks set off on the roof of the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. An as of yet undignified ultra group planted the pyrotechnic display, which ended up setting fire to a small snack imbiss within the stadium.
Chairman of the control committee Anton Nachreiner confirmed that the DFB was investigating the incident on Tuesday. FC Union ultras have run afoul of the Bundesliga pyrotechnic ordinances before, with fines for the club being issued accordingly.
In terms of what actually transpired on the pitch, Hertha midfielder Santiago Ascacibar is currently under investigation by the DFB's disciplinary sports court. The 24-year-old did receive a yellow card for what referee Sascha Stegemann adjudged to be foul on Union defender Nico Schlotterbeck in the 79th minute.
On-pitch broadcast microphones nevertheless caught Ascacibar delivered a profane verbal assault on Schlotterbeck as the 21-year-old lay on the ground. The nature of the words should have, under standing DFB rules, led to a straight red card for Ascacibar. Stegemann's caution may have meant that he didn't catch it.
German footballing magazine Kicker confirms that the control committee asked both players involved for statements on Tuesday. Ascacibar could conceivably earn a multi-match suspension.