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Rapid scandal: Vice-Chancellor Kogler “enough is enough now”

Werner Kogler talks about Rapid's scandal.

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH, zVg)

Vice-Chancellor and Sports Minister Werner Kogler has called the sponsors to account in the case of disparaging comments from the SK Rapid camp after the derby win against Austria. The Green Party politician mentioned Rapid's main sponsor Wien Energie by name on Ö1 Mittagsjournal on Wednesday. Rapid players represent one of the most important public companies in the federal capital, "and then something like this comes out", said Kogler.

"Because I've had enough now. We really do a lot, it can't be that the clubs are rotting from the inside out," Kogler continued. "Homophobia, racism and sexism have no place and this can't just be a matter of Sunday speeches, it has to be lived."

On Monday, a video of Rapids managing director Steffen Hofmann first made the rounds, in which he lashes out at the city rivals. Hours later, further videos were made public in which assistant coach Stefan Kulovits and players Guido Burgstaller, Marco Grüll, Thorsten Schick, Maximilian Hofmann and Niklas Hedl can be seen joining fans in chants against Austria, some of which are homophobic.

Werner Kogler talks about Rapids' scandal.

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH, zVg)

Wien Energie reacts
Wien Energie responded to the case in writing on Tuesday. In a statement, it said: "Wien Energie is committed to diversity and against all forms of discrimination. The statements that have become known in recent days from individual Rapid players and officials do not fit in with this and do not correspond to our values."

We distance ourselves from the homophobic and offensive statements and welcome the clear words of Rapid President Alexander Wrabetz and Vice President Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger. However, this could only be a first step. Following Kogler's statements, Wien Energie also stated on Wednesday that talks with Rapid's club management had been scheduled for the next few days.

Alexander Wrabetz

(Bild: urbantschitsch mario)

Michael Strebl, Chairman of the Wien Energie Management Board, called for "concrete measures to be taken to ensure that SK Rapid's values are upheld by officials and players and to prevent further misconduct". The statements made are not only to be condemned by society as a whole, but also have a massively negative impact on Wien Energie. The soccer club itself has announced an internal investigation.

Kogler also called on Rapid and other affected clubs to seek outside help. "We would not go back to business as usual, but offer to make use of the institutions. It seems to me that this is a blatant case of this need - that's putting it diplomatically."

"How do gay young people feel?"
The Ministry of Sport, for example, has set up 100% Sport with Managing Director Claudia Koller. On Ö1, she emphasized the role model function of those involved. "How do gay young people feel? How do gay athletes feel when they hear such chants even from the highest officials? It creates a situation that makes it extremely difficult to practise this sport. It's a huge problem," said Koller.

To combat discrimination, the ÖFB and Bundesliga set up the "Football for All" ombudsman's office years ago. The ombudsman is the openly gay footballer Oliver Egger. "I'm asked so often, why don't more footballers come out? Videos like this are the perfect answer. Because soccer still hasn't created an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome," said Egger.

Bundesliga takes action
For its part, the Bundesliga has filed a complaint against the club and the people involved in the video with the league's Senate 1 (Criminal and Credentials Committee). Rapid has one week to respond. According to the league, player and function bans are conceivable and, in the worst case, the club could be docked points.