Dispute among GAK fans?

Derby aftermath: Police on the lookout for thugs

At the Graz derby the fire was burning, at the fire and in the stands. However, there were no riots.

(Bild: AP ( via APA) Austria Presse Agentur/ERWIN SCHERIAU)

The Graz derby was a clear-cut affair on the pitch: Sturm won 5:2 against GAK. But now there are aftermaths of a more unwelcome kind: the police are searching for a "fan" who allegedly pushed a man down the stands. The Styrian was seriously injured.

The fans in black and red provided a more than worthy setting for the 200th Graz soccer derby. The feared riots also failed to materialize. But just under a week later, the police have to take action. The police are searching for a man who allegedly pushed another spectator down the stands.

The incident occurred shortly before half-time of the match (around 17:45) in the upper part of Sector 25 (GAK-Kurve). The 49-year-old from the district of Graz-Umgebung was pushed by an as yet unknown person, causing him to fall down several rows of seats and hit his chest on a metal backrest. The man was seriously injured. 

There is no trace of the perpetrator. The man is probably a GAK fan, Sturm supporters had no access to this area of the stadium. He is said to be 40 to 45 years old, had a goatee, dark hair in a plait, was of strong build and dressed in a dark sweater and a brown coat. Witnesses should contact the Criminal Investigation Department of the Graz State Police Command on 059133/653437.