Vienna, Austria – The fallout from the September 2025 Austrian Bundesliga derby between Rapid Wien and Austria Wien continues, with 22 individuals facing legal consequences for their involvement in violent clashes both on and off the pitch. Recent court proceedings have resulted in diversions – a form of pre-trial settlement – for several defendants, involving financial penalties, restitution, and stadium bans. The incidents, described by prosecutors as “quasi kriegsähnlich” (quasi war-like), have sparked renewed debate about fan behavior and security measures at Austrian football matches.
The initial phase of the trial, which began recently and is scheduled to continue through April 21st with eleven days of hearings already allocated, has seen a number of defendants accept responsibility for their actions. Those accepting diversion agreements are required to pay 150 euros in processing fees, 50 euros to Rapid Wien, and 50 euros to a police officer injured during the unrest. Crucially, they also face a two-year ban from all football stadiums across Austria, encompassing the Bundesliga (first and second divisions), the ÖFB-Cup, international matches involving Austrian teams, and national team games, including friendlies. Compliance with the terms of the diversion will allow the individuals to maintain a clean criminal record.
Former Rapid Wien Fan Liaison Among Those Penalized
A particularly notable case involves the former fan liaison officer for Rapid Wien, who held the position for 26 years. He was offered a diversion after admitting to striking individuals with a corner flag during the disturbances. According to his lawyer, Werner Tomanek, the individual expressed regret, stating his role was to de-escalate situations, not incite them. He has since lost his position with the club and received a ban from the Allianz Stadion. “In the future, he will only be going to curling,” Tomanek reportedly stated, highlighting the severity of the consequences.
The penalties weren’t limited to Rapid supporters. Austrian Wien fans involved in the violence also received diversions. Several individuals who allegedly attacked Rapid fans with kicks described as “Kung-Fu-style” and belt strikes were offered similar agreements. A young Austrian Wien supporter who injured a police officer by throwing a pole during a pitch invasion also accepted a diversion, claiming his actions were a “Kurzschlusshandlung” (impulsive act) fueled by anger.
Guilty Pleas and Claims of a “Cross-Section of Society”
The prosecution initially characterized the events as resembling a “quasi kriegsähnlichen Zustand” (quasi war-like state), alleging charges of aggravated assault and resisting law enforcement. Rapid Wien sought 1,000 euros in damages from 21 of the 22 defendants. The defendants were represented by nine lawyers, who argued that many were family men with otherwise law-abiding lives and no prior history of violence.
Defense attorneys emphasized that the individuals involved were not typical hooligans, but rather a “cross-section of society” representing a broad range of backgrounds found within the Rapid Wien supporter base. One lawyer argued that describing the events as “war-like” minimized the suffering caused by actual wars with real casualties and refugees. Another noted that one defendant was “stockbesoffen” (heavily intoxicated) and acted irresponsibly as a result.
During the proceedings, many defendants attempted to avoid recognition, covering their faces with folders, briefcases, and even FFP2 masks. One defendant arrived 32 minutes late, offering an apology.
Escalation of Violence and Police Response
Prosecutors allege that the defendants intentionally gathered in a predominantly male group within the Allianz Stadion to collectively commit acts of violence. During the second half, Austria Wien fans reportedly launched fireworks and flares at and over police lines. Following calls to confront Rapid fans, masked Austria Wien supporters stormed the pitch, joined by equally aggressive Rapid supporters.
Reports indicate that Rapid supporters assaulted a prone Austrian Wien fan with a corner flag, even as an Austrian Wien supporter allegedly “Kung-Fu-kicked” a Rapid supporter in the chest. Police, including WEGA (special operations) units, eventually regained control by using barriers to close off access to the Austria Wien supporters’ section.
Further Incidents and Financial Penalties
The violence didn’t end there. Further disturbances occurred in Sector 8, with police being pelted with drinking cups – some allegedly filled with urine – as well as trash cans, poles, and other objects. As a result of these events, the Austrian Bundesliga imposed fines of 150,000 euros on both Rapid Wien and Austria Wien. The clubs agreed to hold the next four derbies without away fans.
These measures, still, haven’t entirely quelled the unrest. A subsequent derby match featuring Rapid Wien fans at Austria Wien’s Generali Arena on February 15, 2026, was also marred by disturbances, leading to a temporary suspension of the game. Rapid Wien received a further fine of 100,000 euros and partial stadium closures for three top matches, while Austria Wien was penalized 48,400 euros for unauthorized use of pyrotechnics.
The ongoing legal proceedings and financial penalties underscore the severity of the issues surrounding fan violence in Austrian football. The next scheduled match for both Rapid Wien and Austria Wien will be closely monitored by authorities, and further action is expected if similar incidents occur. Fans can find the latest updates on the Bundesliga’s official website and through local news outlets.
