Violence and pyrotechnics overshadow Graz derby

Violence and pyrotechnics overshadowed the Graz derby between SK Sturm and GAK, despite Sturm’s 6-1 win, ORF reported.

The teams met for the 204th time on Sunday in front of more than 17,000 spectators. Sturm goalkeeper Daniil Chudjakow also suffered a serious injury during the match.

About half an hour before kick-off, the game was in doubt after police raised security concerns with the Austrian Football Bundesliga. Firecrackers and pyrotechnics had been found. Following a security meeting involving the two clubs, the league and police, organisers decided the match would go ahead. Police said those involved had to ensure safety.

There were disturbances before, during and after the game. GAK supporters marched from Kaiser-Josef-Platz to the stadium, and police reported firecrackers being thrown near the Graz-Ost motorway access road. Fans also threw pyrotechnics at one another near the stadium. Some spectators left before the final whistle.

Three police officers were injured and four police vehicles damaged. After the match, police said about 50 masked GAK supporters attacked Sturm fans on Liebenauer Hauptstraße. Officers, supported by colleagues from other Austrian states, surrounded the group and filed 50 reports for public-order offences.

A separate incident in central Graz involved Sturm supporters, who were also reported for public-order offences.