Graz Derby: around 100 charges, three injured police officers and illegal fireworks
The Graz Derby saw massive use of pyrotechnics, fireworks thrown, and hooligan violence. Three police officers were injured and around 100 charges filed.
Graz Derby leaves toll of violence, pyrotechnics and injuries
Three injured police officers, around 100 charges and four damaged emergency vehicles: that is the interim report from police following the Graz Derby, according to Kleine Zeitung. Two of the injured officers suffered blast trauma from thrown fireworks.
Half an hour before kick-off, the match threatened to be called off. Police command convened a Bundesliga meeting after massive pyrotechnics were discovered in the GAK fan sector – including a rucksack with pyrotechnic objects that could also have been used as missiles. After intensive discussions, the decision was made to kick off as planned.
Throughout the entire GAK fan march, fireworks were discharged and flares and smoke pots were ignited. During the match itself, massive pyrotechnics were used in both fan sections; on the GAK side there were also repeated firework throws.
Fireworks of this category are not legally obtainable in Austria, as an investigator explained to Kleine Zeitung. Experts classify them as a threat to life and limb. In the away section, hooligan tourists from Bosnia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic were spotted; investigators believe these individuals brought the fireworks. Foreign fans attending because of fan friendships are not a novelty in the Austrian fan scene, according to police.
Before the match, masked hooligans in the business centre near the stadium launched indiscriminate, brutal attacks on Sturm supporters. Investigations into this are ongoing.
After the final whistle, police kettled a group of around 50 masked individuals in the south of the stadium who were moving at a fast pace towards the north. They are believed to be from the GAK fan base. Later, in the Brockmanngasse/Kastellfeldgasse area, a group of Sturm fans was stopped who appeared to be prepared for further attacks. In this case too, charges were filed. In total, around 100 charges were filed on both sides after the match.
Source: Kleine Zeitung