Vienna derby without away fans: security measures after riots!

Vienna derby without away fans: security measures after riots!

The 347th Vienna derby between SK Rapid Wien and FK Austria Wien is scheduled for September 28, 2025. Kick-off is at 5:00 p.m. in the Allianz Stadium in Hütteldorf. Advance ticket sales under the motto “Protection from riots” are already in full swing, and to date almost 21,000 tickets have been sold in protected advance sales. Some sectors are already fully booked, and Austria fans unfortunately have to make do with the role of spectators, as no away fans are allowed in the stadium.

However, Rapid fans, including subscribers and club members, have the option of purchasing tickets in the guest sector (standing room sectors 6 and 7). Starting today, Wednesday, September 10th, at 1:00 p.m., you can buy up to four more tickets in protected advance sales. Tickets are online at rapidshop.at as well as in the fan corner in Hütteldorf (MON-SA from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). VIP tickets are also on offer. Please note that people with visiting team fan merchandise will not be allowed entry.

The shadows of the past

But this year's derby is overshadowed by recent events. The last meeting between the two traditional Viennese clubs resulted in serious riots. Wiener Austria hooligans caused massive riots, which erupted in the form of a mass brawl on the pitch. As a result, there were a total of 27 injured, including ten emergency services. The police had to file over 500 reports, more than a fifth of which were filed under criminal law. A suspect was arrested for aggravated assault. These incidents and the inadequate entry controls at the Allianz Stadium have reignited the discussion about security in the stadium.

In a joint meeting between the Bundesliga and the two clubs, measures to improve security were discussed. After the violent clashes, both teams have decided not to have away fans at the next two away derbies. The next four Vienna derbies will also take place without away fans; the corresponding sectors should be used by home fans instead. They also plan to invite charitable organizations.

Call for improvement

SK Rapid and FK Austria emphasize the need to ensure the safety of all fans, staff and players. Rapid sports director Markus Katzer in particular is calling for noticeable improvements in the way we deal with fan culture. The Bundesliga emphasizes that security is essential for a positive stadium experience. In this context, the clubs and the authorities are asked to work closely together to guarantee a smooth process for both fans and players.

The incidents have left a negative image of the fan community, and there is still a long way to go back to a more peaceful coexistence. Austria Vienna has publicly distanced itself from the violence and apologized to those affected. The hope remains that lessons will be learned from these experiences and that the Vienna derbies can soon take place again in an appropriate setting.

All fans can only hope that the situation will calm down by September 28th and that the derby will be characterized by top sporting performances and not by violent clashes. Football should be the focus again.

For current information about the Vienna Derby, check out the official website Rapid and Austria.