Austria and Rapid Vienna: Crowd trouble means away fans banned at next four derbies

There will be no away fans at the next four Vienna derbies after crowd trouble at Sunday’s game between local rivals Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna.

At least 13 people were injured – including 10 police officers and three fans – at Rapid’s Allianz Stadion, where there was a pitch invasion after the final whistle.

Police said fans of both clubs set off pyrotechnics before Sunday’s Austrian Bundesliga game and that there were violent clashes during the match, which league leaders Rapid won 2-1.

The decision was made at a meeting between the league and the two clubs on Monday, and a joint process has begun to ensure “atmospheric and safe Vienna derbies” in future.

“The clubs are taking an important step,” said the Bundesliga’s chief executive Christian Ebenbauer.

“The Vienna derby is one of the most traditional games in the world and should be a positive showcase for the league and the whole country.”

Rapid president Alexander Wrabetz said: “There must be no place for violence and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

“It is important that we now find the best possible solutions and concepts for the future so that the Vienna derbies can once again be real football festivals for everyone involved.”

Police added that as of Tuesday, criminal charges had been brought against more than 150 people.

Although there will be no away fans at the next four derbies, the away section will be available to some home fans and charitable organisations.

“This is, of course, a drastic measure that was difficult for us to take,” said Austria Vienna board member Harald Zagiczek. “However, we are taking it in the interests of safety and the families, who should continue to experience great derbies.

“We will not accept the events of last Sunday and will respond with the harshest sanctions possible. Throwing firecrackers or similar fireworks at people is complete madness and is strictly condemned by us as a club.”