Fans who invade the pitch during World Cup matches in Germany could face heavy fines following a ruling by the Rostock court of appeal on Friday.

The court upheld a claim from Hansa Rostock, of the German second division, for 20,000 euros against three supporters who invaded their pitch during a first division match in 2003.

Rostock were initially fined by the German football authorities but claimed that the supporters should pay the fine as it was their actions that caused it.

"These people caused the damages and as a consequence, they must pay," said the tribunal.

The decision was hailed by the German Soccer Association (DFB) which handed out the initial fine, and the World Cup organizing committee. "This sends a strong message to supporters who want to disrupt World Cup matches," said Jens Grittner, spokesman for the World Cup organizing committee.

"If we are to be sanctioned by FIFA due to pitch invasions by supporters, the Rostock judgment can be invoked so the supporters pay the fines."

During the 2005 Confederations Cup, also in Germany, several matches were interrupted by pitch invasions.