In the middle of Graz

Hooligans indiscriminately beat up normal fans

At Dietrichsteinplatz, the hooligans beat up normal fans.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian/Christian Jauschowetz)

Large-scale police operation on Saturday evening in Graz: After the GAK match, red and Czech hooligans attacked Sturm supporters. 

Hopefully this was not a foretaste of the first Graz soccer derby of the season in two months' time - because there was already a lot of violence in the provincial capital last weekend. According to reports, red hooligans indiscriminately attacked and beat up Sturm fans after the GAK home game against Blau Weiß Linz on Saturday evening.

"Situations quickly resolved"
The police confirmed corresponding reports from social media and fan forums. "However, due to the fact that a large contingent of colleagues was on site at the GAK match, all situations were quickly resolved," says Heimo Kohlbacher, spokesman for the regional police directorate.

Several reports
For investigative reasons, the police do not want to comment on club affiliation. "But the identity of all the people involved could be established by the new investigation group SGS (note: scene-typical violence in sport). All those involved can expect criminal and administrative charges."

Support from the Czech Republic
Victims of the escalation of violence report bruised skulls and ribs, but the police cannot confirm this. "Everyone at the scene said they were unharmed," says Kohlbacher. Particularly piquant: The GAK "fans" are also said to have had support from friendly Czech hooligans, who proudly posted pictures of their "visit" on social media.