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The Rapid Vienna team

Photo: Philipp Brem / GEPA pictures / IMAGO

After twelve derbies in a row without a win, the Austrian first division team Rapid Vienna had defeated local rivals Austria again, the 3-0 win on Sunday was the first prestige success since September 2019. After the final whistle, coach Robert Klauß's players were greeted by the home fans celebrated extensively - and committed several insulting and homophobic transgressions, as documented by video recordings circulating on social media.

The German Rapid managing director Steffen Hofmann insulted the guests, calling the Austria professionals “assholes” audibly through a megaphone.

In addition, the team around ex-Bundesliga professional Guido Burgstaller, Werder loanee Marco Grüll and assistant coach Stefan Kulovits also sang homophobic chants with a megaphone.

They sang “We are not poor violets” (“We are not gay Austria players”).

Those responsible for Rapid appeared remorseful.

“Unfortunately, we cannot undo these mistakes,” said Captain Burgstaller: “In this way, we would also like to clearly distance ourselves from any discrimination and homophobia and apologize to everyone who we have directly or indirectly offended through our behavior.”

He went on to say that the players had “unfortunately not lived up to their role model” at all.

“I can only sincerely apologize for this and assure you that we will bear the full consequences,” said Grüll on Instagram.

Austria acknowledged the apology

“The words I used were absolutely inappropriate,” said Hofmann, who had already apologized to those responsible for Austria on Monday: “The joy of winning the derby remains, as do my regrets about the choice of words.” This is with everyone Rivalry would not have been appropriate.

Assistant coach Kulovits also admitted “a big mistake” and expressed his “sincere regret.”

Austria had already announced in a statement on Monday that it had taken note of Managing Director Hofmann's apology.

»We don't want to add any more fuel to the fire.

At the same time, we congratulate you on your well-deserved derby victory,” it said.

ast/sid/dpa