Rapid boss Wrabetz:

“Picture devastating, but we don’t have a fan problem”

Rapid's president Wrabetz announces punishments for those who became hooligans in the derby.(Bild: GEPA, krone.at-grafik)

Rapid will react to the riots after the Vienna derby against Austria on Sunday evening with stadium bans and the withdrawal of membership. Alexander Wrabetz only sees a green-white dilemma in the derby! The club boss announces penalties and also takes the police to task.

Shooting firecrackers, Bengals or rockets at women or children is an absolute no-go", Alexander Wrabetz stated in the Allianz Stadium. He announced that all Rapid fans who had crossed the red line on Sunday would be sanctioned: "We will press ahead with the identification of these fans and hope for the help of the authorities." Banning offenders from the stadium is an issue. As is the withdrawal of membership. Wrabetz is certain that "even in the active fan scene, these things are not approved of for the most part".

(Bild: GEPA)

The club boss emphasized one thing: "The image that both clubs presented is devastating. But we don't have a fan problem at Rapid." Because: "125,000 fans came to the six home games before this season, there was no relevant problem. And we're talking about 30 to 40 out of 24,000 Rapid fans who caused problems in the derby."

Rapids president Wrabetz announces punishments for those who became hooligans in the derby.(Bild: GEPA, krone.at-grafik)

Wrabetz's conclusion: "What we have is a derby problem, and the situation has worsened in the last year or two." He describes the decision to play the next four derbies without visiting fans as "unusual, but at the same time it needs to be tightened up."

Police also have a duty
For example, the 250 security staff and the associated security measures. Wrabetz also appeals to fans to take personal responsibility and believes that the police, as well as the league, have a duty: "They must take a preventative stance, not just when something has happened." He does not want to sanction banners such as "Death and hate to the FAK": "Certain things can be resolved in the fan club. It would be wrong for the club management to take care of it."

In the ÖFB Cup on Wednesday, Rapid (without Mmaee and Jansson) will face Ostliga side Donaufeld at the Hohe Warte, just like last year - advancing to the round of 16 is a must.