Football: Austria with Mourning Armband After Attack in Graz School
According to ÖFB information, a cancellation of the match was not considered - it would not have been possible without the initiative of an association. Team coach Ralf Rangnick expressed his condolences to the families of the victims on behalf of his team.
"It's really hard to put into words, an incredible tragedy," said Rangnick before the game on ServusTV about the events in Graz. "It's really hard to focus on football today." In the case of a unilateral cancellation, the game would likely have been counted as a loss, Rangnick speculated. "It is also important that today, especially in such a time when something like this happens, we show how we stand together, what kind of team we are, how much we simply stick together." He also reiterated this to the team in his speech.
The approximately 1,500 fans of the ÖFB team who traveled to San Marino canceled their fan march to the stadium and also refrained from an originally planned choreography. Instead, two long, completely black banners without inscriptions were displayed, with a black banner featuring two white crosses and the word "Graz" in the middle. Additionally, the fans displayed a banner over ten meters long, reading "In thoughts with you - Graz is not alone!" At the first ÖFB goals by Marko Arnautovic and Michael Gregoritsch, the team refrained from large celebratory gestures, opting only for mutual high-fives.
David Alaba expressed his grief on social media. "I am deeply shocked by the terrible news from Graz. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible and senseless act of violence," declared the team captain, who is in rehabilitation training and did not travel to San Marino.
"Graz Stands Together"
Additionally, there were condolences from some Bundesliga clubs. Champion Sturm Graz tweeted: "The terrible events on Dreierschützengasse cause dismay. We wish all relatives and those affected much strength and our thoughts are with the victims - Graz stands together."
The second Graz top-tier club GAK also expressed shock. "Today is a day when words fail. GAK 1902 is appalled by the events at BORG Dreierschützengasse. Our thoughts are with the relatives and survivors. We wish them much strength and unity in this difficult time," stated last year's promoted team.
Rapid Wien "speechless"
Runner-up Red Bull Salzburg wrote on social media: "These are news that leave one stunned. Our thoughts are with the victims and relatives of the rampage in Graz." Rapid joined in. "We are speechless. Our thoughts are with the victims, the relatives, and all those affected in Graz - much strength in this incredibly difficult time!" shared the Hütteldorfers.
Vienna Austria also mourned. "Terrible news from Graz. Much strength to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims. Our thoughts are with you. Rest in peace." Similar sentiments were expressed by Blau-Weiß Linz, Hartberg, and WSG Tirol.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.