Cologne are to appeal a suspended ban on taking fans to an away European fixture after their supporters caused trouble at a Europa League tie at Arsenal in September.

In October, European governing body UEFA fined Cologne 60,000 Euros (about 70,000 dollars) for crowd disturbances, lighting fireworks, throwing objects and acts of damage in their Sept. 14 trip to London.

“Even after a detailed analysis of the verdict, it is incomprehensible to us that the misconduct of a small minority of fans should lead to such a drastic punishment against the club,’’ managing director Alexander Wehrle said in a statement on Monday.

Playing their first European tie in 25 years, a huge band of supporters followed Cologne to Arsenal in spite of a modest ticket allocation.

“In addition, it is obvious from the Cologne point of view that parts of the problems surrounding the entry were caused by poor planning of the London officials,’’ the club said.

UEFA said Cologne would face a ban on away fans for a game but suspended the punishment for two years.

Cologne’s only away match left in this season’s Europa League is at Red Star Belgrade on Dec. 7.

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