Mood in the Viennese derby: where did the rivals have gone?

The mostly expected Viennese derby between Austria and Rapid takes place in the Generali-Arena today, but in a special and tense context. Despite the information that the game is sold out, the atmosphere remains cool. Before the game, fans of the violet home team made it clear that they miss the green-white rivals, as a banner on the stands shows: "A real derby consists of rivalry! This is not a real derby," reported OE24.at

The reason for the subdued mood is the decision of the club tours to do without away fans after the riots at the first leg. Access with green-white fan clothing is also strictly forbidden, which significantly changes the character of the derbies. These measures were considered necessary to avoid further conflicts and violence that overshadowed the last encounters. The President of Austria, Gollowitzer, appeals to the fans that personal vanities should not have a place in the stadium, while the police even billed 34 euros per hour for their missions, such as FK-austria.at reported.

ticket allocation and restrictions

For the Loyal Faninde of Austria, there was an exclusive ticket allocation in the run -up to the game. Season subscribers and spring subscribers were able to secure tickets for the home derby under special conditions without a free sale taking place. Only members who had already acquired a subscription until January 14 could access the much -coveted places. Concrete figures and conditions were clearly communicated to avoid misunderstandings.

The Generali-Arena is thus a place where not only sporting rivalry is played, but also a sign against violence and exclusion is also set. The decision not to allow away fans show the efforts to be a safe environment for the audience, whereby the clubs are insisting on the responsibility of their supporters.