The German Football Association (DFB) sanctioned the one-match stadium closure due to crowd trouble in St Pauli's last home game against Schalke a week ago.

That game was abandoned in the 87th minute after a linesman was struck on the back of the neck by a plastic mug thrown from the crowd.

The 2-0 scoreline in Schalke's favour when the match was halted has already been confirmed as the final result by the DFB, who yesterday announced that the Milerntor Stadion would also be closed for one match.

However, the club appealed against the decision, requesting a hearing today which only confirmed the DFB's initial punishment.

"Causing a game's abandonment represents a severe intervention into the events of a match and a competition and can only be punished by a consequential sanction," explained Hans E. Lorenz, who judged St Pauli's appeal today.

"This is to protect individual people's rights such as the physical integrity of the players, referees, officials and fans as well as maintaining regularity in the competition."

St Pauli have the right to appeal the decision once again and request a personal hearing by Monday, from which date the ban will come into force.