Austria Vienna Derby Riots: 20 Stadium Bans Imposed, Rapid Yet to Confirm Numbers

The aftermath of the 343rd Vienna derby, marred by violence, has proven more challenging to investigate than initially expected.

Over a month since Rapid Vienna’s 2-1 victory against Austria Vienna, both clubs continue to deal with the fallout from the post-match riots, which saw masked fans storm the pitch, engaging in violent confrontations.

Authorities have received 577 reports related to the violence, with 400 filed against unknown individuals. Austria Vienna has requested stadium bans for around 20 people, identified by police investigations. Rapid Vienna, however, remains unable to provide specific figures. In a written statement, they cited the ongoing investigations and the complexities of identifying the perpetrators, particularly due to their use of masks. Rapid stated, “We will only give a concrete number once the evaluations have been completed,” and stressed their reliance on police findings.

Investigation into Perpetrators

The clashes after the match were intense, with 27 people injured, including ten police officers. Fans from both sides were seen throwing pyrotechnic devices and engaging in physical altercations on the pitch. Police reports indicate that most of the incidents were administrative violations under the Pyrotechnics Act, but over 150 reports pertained to criminal acts, with one individual arrested for grievous bodily harm.

Despite multiple video recordings of the events, including footage from Sky, many of the rioters remain unidentified due to their masks. The involvement of “riot tourists” from other fan clubs has further complicated the investigation.

Rapid Vienna has taken internal action by terminating the employment of a fan supervisor involved in the brawl. The employee had attacked an Austria Vienna fan with a corner flag, and footage of the incident quickly circulated online. Rapid suspended the individual immediately, and their employment has now been formally ended.

Austria Vienna Reacts Swiftly

Austria Vienna has acted quickly, issuing house bans against 20 individuals identified by the police, and is seeking to impose stadium bans through the Bundesliga. A club spokesperson explained that they are also awaiting further police findings before taking any additional steps.

The Austrian Bundesliga has largely taken on a monitoring role as investigations continue. Both Rapid and Austria Vienna were fined €150,000 each for their fans’ involvement in the disturbances. The fines could potentially be reduced, with the Bundesliga offering the possibility of up to a 75% reduction if the clubs successfully identify and impose stadium bans on the perpetrators.

Norbert Wess from the Bundesliga’s criminal senate commented on ORF, “If the perpetrators are tracked down and stadium bans are imposed on these people, then the fine can be reduced by up to 75 percent.” However, this would require the clubs to apply for the case to be reopened.

Both clubs have agreed to a significant preventive measure, deciding that the next four derbies will be held without away fans to avoid further escalation.

Site Opinion

The recent Vienna derby violence has underscored the persistent issue of hooliganism in football, not just in Austria but globally. The clubs involved, particularly Rapid and Austria Vienna, seem caught between wanting to protect their reputations and acknowledging their responsibility for crowd control. The lenient fines, combined with the agreement to hold future derbies without away fans, show a desire to prevent further unrest. However, the reliance on police investigations to address the problem suggests that more needs to be done at the club level to curb such behaviours.

It’s clear that identifying individual culprits is challenging, especially when rioters go to great lengths to conceal their identities. Still, by imposing stadium bans and cooperating with authorities, clubs can send a strong message that this type of behaviour has no place in football. Football is a sport that brings communities together, and it’s essential that clubs and governing bodies maintain a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for all fans.