According to the report, the surveillance camera recorded “disturbing scenes and police failures.” It was criticized that an officer familiar with the scene opened a gate through which Austria Vienna supporters stormed onto the pitch. An accusation that was firmly rejected by the Vienna police.
The Vienna State Police Directorate responded to APA’s inquiry by saying that the Vienna police were aware of the videos from both sides and had analyzed them intensively. It was clearly visible that a steward opened the gate so that the stewards and police could get onto the pitch. The stewards can be recognized by their yellow jackets.
Police reject accusation
The Falter newspaper had written: “Instead of holding back the masked Austria hooligans, a police officer opens the gate to the pitch even further.” The police responded: “You can then see an officer who is familiar with the scene trying to hold the gate shut while violent fans jump against it at the same time. A few moments later he realises that he cannot hold the gate shut because fans are using force on the gate. We therefore firmly reject the idea that the officer opened the gate for the approaching crowd.”
The scenes recorded during the riots following the Bundesliga match between Rapid and Austria at the Allianz Stadium are also known to the organizers, Rapid. “Why the gate to the Austria fan sector, which is actually a security gate, was opened is not within our control. We still have to analyze that,” said club president Alexander Wrabetz at a press conference on Wednesday.
Photo gallery: Riots after the Vienna football derby
(Photo: GEPA pictures/ David Bitzan) Bild 1/18
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