Important derby signal

Closing ranks for the preservation of the “cultural asset”

Nobody wants to see pictures like that at a derby anymore.

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

Rivalry yes, enmity no - after the last derby scandal, Austria and Rapid pulled the ripcord. The joint appearance on Friday in Vienna's city hall was a signal for more respect. Sunday is not the first time the derby has been played without visiting fans.

If we succeed in getting Rapid and Austria to hold a joint press conference, then we will also bring together a federal government," grinned Michael Ludwig. Vienna's mayor opened the special derby press conference himself. In his living room, in the City Senate meeting room of the City Hall. There, where the state government normally meets, the city rivals closed ranks in a flurry of flashbulbs.