Vienna Football Rivals Reach Agreement to Exclude Away Fans After Violent Derby

Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna have agreed to play the next four games without away fans due to violent clashes that left 13 injured during their recent derby. The clubs made this decision to ensure fan safety and are working on measures to eventually reintegrate away supporters.

Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna have agreed to hold the next four games between the two sides without any away fans, the clubs announced on Tuesday. This decision comes after rival supporters clashed during Sunday's derby, resulting in at least 13 injuries. The clubs emphasized that the measure aims to best guarantee the safety of all fans and mentioned ongoing efforts to eventually bring back away fans.

"This is the best way of preventing further damage to SK Rapid," the Austrian Bundesliga leaders said in a statement. "Violence should not and must not have a place in our sport," the statement added.

According to the Viennese police, fans from both clubs ignited pyrotechnics even before the match started. Violent clashes escalated during the game, culminating in a pitch invasion after the final whistle. Social media videos showed masked individuals on the pitch, some armed with sticks, amidst smoke from pyrotechnics.

The police revealed that ten officers were injured and criminal charges had been filed against 152 individuals by Tuesday. The Austrian Bundesliga match ended with a 2-1 victory for Rapid Vienna.

(With inputs from agencies.)