Brutal Attack on Rapid Striker Burgstaller: 23-Year-Old Released

He was released on bail by the Regional Court for Criminal Matters on Monday after two weeks in custody. This was announced by court spokeswoman Christina Salzborn in response to an APA inquiry.

"He was instructed to pursue regular employment. In addition, provisional probation assistance was ordered," said Salzborn. The legal representative of the accused, against whom the public prosecutor's office is investigating for intentional grievous bodily harm, was relieved about the court decision. Burgstaller, on the other hand, has since been able to leave the hospital, he is "doing well under the circumstances," communicated SK Rapid in response to an APA inquiry.

"My client has now experienced the hardship of imprisonment for a total of two weeks and has already begun to deal with the events in the form of therapy as announced. He is very afraid of the violent fan community around Mr. Burgstaller, but wants to face the trial as quickly as possible and also take responsibility there," stated Vienna lawyer Klaus Ainedter, who represents the 23-year-old. His client hopes "for a fair trial against the backdrop of the extremely heated atmosphere and the already reported death threats," the defender told the APA.

Attack on Burgstaller: The altercation in Vienna occurred for no significant reason

The altercation between the 23-year-old and Burgstaller occurred for no significant reason. There was no sporting or football-related background according to the current state of investigation. Burgstaller's girlfriend had asked the 23-year-old and a second man for a light for cigarettes at 6.00 a.m. outside the disco. This led to a conversation, the two men are said to have laughed at the woman's dialect - she is from Upper Austria. The companion of the 23-year-old also gave the young woman a rose, which he bought from a passing flower seller. Burgstaller is then said to have approached the group, and a verbal altercation ensued between the footballer and the 23-year-old.

Subsequently, the 23-year-old Burgstaller gave a push or shove, which is documented on video material from a surveillance camera. At this point, the Rapid striker had both hands in his pockets and retreated after the shove by taking one or two steps back. The 23-year-old then punched the kicker, hitting him on the chin. According to his defender Ainedter, he was not aware that it was a striker from SK Rapid.

Burgstaller Has Since Been Discharged from the Hospital

As a result of the punch, Burgstaller fell to the ground and hit his head on the hard surface without bracing himself. He suffered a skull base fracture among other injuries and had to be treated in a hospital for several days. He is not allowed to do any sports for at least three months, and it is currently unclear when he can resume training. "He is doing well under the circumstances," said the press office of SK Rapid on Monday afternoon in response to an APA inquiry about the kicker's current condition. After being discharged from the hospital, Burgstaller can "continue his recovery at home".

Shortly afterwards, SK Rapid announced on platforms X and bluesky: "The good news before the turn of the year: Our number 9, Guido Burgstaller, continues his recovery at home (...). We wish him continued good recovery & also thank in Burgi's name for the countless get-well wishes!"

The 23-year-old attacker, who is employed at an insurance company, had not previously been known as a violent offender. He was not known to the police and has no criminal record.

(APA/Red)

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