Charges against Austria

Rapid coach Klauß: “The behavior was unworthy”

Police and pyro in front of the Austria sector - that also has repercussions.

(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

Clear words from Rapid coach Klauß-despite the derby scandal, the full focus is on Lustenau. Senate 1 meets on Monday to discuss possible penalties.

"I see the boys every day. It's important to emphasize that you have to make a clear distinction between a person's behaviour and their character traits. The behavior was unworthy, intolerable and difficult to excuse. But you have to look at character from several angles, you shouldn't make hasty judgments."

Rapid coach Robert Klauß

(Bild: GEPA pictures, Photohop)

Clear, but also appealing words from Rapid coach Robert Klauß, who - like the players - was hit hard by the force of the self-inflicted derby scandal (note: homophobic chants and Austria insults). Despite the verbal derailment, the German stands behind his quintet of kickers around Grüll, Burgstaller and Co. Wednesday was sacrificed for talks and the reappraisal, only then was the full concentration on tomorrow's home game against Austria Lustenau.

In the meantime, the Rapids players have apologized for their misconduct.

(Bild: GEPA pictures, Z.V.G.)

Before the deadline
"The issue is serious, we take it seriously," agreed head of sport Markus Katzer. "We can only repent, apologize and make sure it never happens again. But we also have a sporting mission." That is Klauß' job: "It helps if you can focus on something. For us, that is now Lustenau."

Of course, the club is not making it that easy for itself. On the contrary. Rapid will submit its written statement on the scandal to Senate 1 before the deadline expires. The hearing will take place on Monday and the internally developed catalog of measures will also be presented to the league lawyers.

"An important day for us", Katzer also knows that Rapid could face severe penalties. All the more reason for him to appeal ahead of tomorrow's home game: "Every fan must be aware of what it means to do something in any direction. That's not helpful for us." There is concern about banners and verbal protests.

Proceedings against violets
Especially as there are several proceedings. The league protest committee reduced the conditional points deduction in the event of a third serious pyro offense from three to one point. However, further charges were brought against both clubs after the derby: Austria had to answer for pyro offenses (including firecrackers and throwing Bengals onto the main stand) committed by their supporters, Rapid because fans had stormed onto the pitch afterwards.