Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna Face Penalties After Derby Day Disorder

The Austrian Bundesliga’s criminal senate has issued penalties to both SK Rapid and Austria Vienna following disruptive fan behavior during and after the recent Vienna derby. The decisions, handed down on Tuesday, include substantial fines and conditional stadium closures.

Derby Erupts in Fan Disorder

The 343rd Vienna derby, played on September 22nd, was marred by incidents of fan misconduct. In the final minutes of the match, pyrotechnic objects were thrown onto the field from the Rapid fan sector, landing in adjacent areas. The game was temporarily halted for approximately ten minutes as a result. Austria ultimately won the match 2-0.

Authorities reported two injuries caused by pyrotechnic objects, and a total of 117 reports were filed – 21 criminal and 96 administrative.

Penalties Imposed by Bundesliga Senate

Both clubs have been fined the maximum penalty of €150,000. In addition to the financial sanctions, each club faces a three-game suspension of their home fan sector, conditional upon a two-year period of great behavior.

Should further fan misconduct occur within those two years, the affected club will have their home sector closed for three additional home games. Although, this closure will be limited to matches against Rapid, Austria, Salzburg, Sturm Graz, or LASK. During any home sector closure, opposing sectors will also be closed to maintain security, and the use of the away sector for home fans will be prohibited.

“SK Rapid will impose the applicable sanctions on persons guilty of gross misconduct, in particular by setting off firecrackers, throwing pyrotechnic objects or storming the pitch. These are (a) the imposition of an indefinite ban from the Allianz Stadium, (b) the application for a nationwide stadium ban and, if necessary, the withdrawal of membership and annual ticket.”

Rapid Vienna press release

Both clubs had previously agreed to hold the next four derbies without away fans. A points deduction for Rapid in the 2025/26 season was considered but ultimately not implemented.

Club Responses and Future Measures

Rapid Vienna has announced indefinite stadium bans for individuals found guilty of misconduct, and will pursue nationwide stadium bans where appropriate. Austria Vienna has similarly committed to lifetime bans from the Generali-Arena for those identified as throwing dangerous objects.

Rapid emphasized that the Allianz Stadion has generally been a safe venue, having welcomed nearly 125,000 spectators before the derby this season. The club is investigating how pyrotechnics entered the guest sector despite the presence of security personnel.

FAQ

• What are the fines for Rapid and Austria Vienna? Both clubs have been fined €150,000.
• What is the potential stadium closure? Each club faces a conditional three-game suspension of their home fan sector.
• Will away fans be allowed at future derbies? No, both clubs have agreed to four derbies without away fans.

The Bundesliga’s swift and decisive action underscores its commitment to maintaining order and safety at matches. These penalties serve as a strong deterrent against future fan misconduct and aim to preserve the integrity of the Austrian league.