Viennese derby under pressure: Rapid and Austria fight fan violence!

Viennese derby under pressure: Rapid and Austria fight fan violence!

Wien, Österreich - Vienna faces an extraordinary footballing spectacle: the 344th Wiener derby between Rapid and Austria throws its shadows ahead. In the middle of the tense situation, which was created after the severe riots at the last duel on September 22nd, both football clubs strive for a harmonious picture. After Rapid's 2-1 victory, which ended with tumults and over 577, including numerous injured police officers, both clubs have taken important consequences, such as Kleine Zeitung reports .

peaceful agreement and consequences

To prevent future riots, Rapid and Austria have decided to have the next four derby games without away fans. "It was not easy for us, but we have to prioritize the security of our fans and players," explained Steffen Hofmann, Managing Director of Rapid. Marketing and fan atmosphere are important, but the security of Hofmann continues. This was done in a joint endeavor that has already led to a working group with the Interior Ministry, which also reports .

During the event in the town hall, the responsible part of both clubs pointed out that the focus must be on respect and fairness. The acute security issues were discussed in order to counteract the so-called "death-and-hate mentality", which is not lived by all fans, said Austria's board member Harald Zagiczek. "We have to lead serious dialogue with the fans and rely on long -term awareness formation," he said. It remains to be seen whether these measures will make a sustainable change and the derby can be redesigned by a heated duel into a festival of football.