After Attack in Front of Disco: Compensation for Former Rapid Vienna Player Burgstaller

At the Vienna Regional Court for Civil Matters (ZRS), the parties agreed on a conditional settlement. The 24-year-old, supported by his parents, is to pay 50,000 euros within 14 days. By January 31, 2028, an additional 5,800 euros could be due if the agreement is not revoked by December 10. If no revocation occurs, the settlement becomes effective, and former Rapid Vienna player Burgstaller will receive 50,000 euros by December 24.

Probably 50,000 Euros in the Account of Former Rapid Vienna Player Burgstaller on December 24

The attacker of Burgstaller was sentenced to 16 months of conditional imprisonment for serious bodily harm at the Regional Court for Criminal Matters last March. In the main hearing, Ainedter handed the former striker 4,200 euros in compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, Burgstaller, who has since retired from active sports, claimed civilly for healing costs of 6,130 euros, 9,000 euros in further compensation for pain and suffering, and a loss of earnings due to injury for three and a half months, which he estimated at over 58,000 euros. Taking into account the additional legal costs incurred, the former striker's total claim recently amounted to over 80,000 euros.

The 24-year-old "destroyed Burgstaller's professional career," his legal representative noted at the beginning of the hearing in the Palace of Justice. The consequences of the punch should be borne solely by the attacker, with no contributory negligence on Burgstaller's part, emphasized Rosenauer. Ainedter, on the other hand, stated that his client did not intend to seriously injure the former Rapid striker. It was clear that he would "bleed financially." "But within the realm of what is possible," Ainedter appealed towards Burgstaller, who was personally present at the hearing.

"I know everyone makes mistakes. I've made some too," Burgstaller finally spoke up. He regretted that "serious settlement talks" were only being held now: "I would have wished for this to happen a few months earlier without much fuss. I just think that one should own up to their mistakes. This could have been resolved without the media and without the fuss."

Former Rapid Vienna Player Burgstaller: "Don't Want to Destroy a Life"

He had never publicly spoken negatively about the attacker, Burgstaller continued: "I don't want to destroy a life. But you have to understand, that was a horror time for me." The former Rapid player made it clear how much the severe head injury he suffered had affected him - not just for sporting reasons. When falling asleep in the hospital, he was afraid "that I wouldn't wake up again," he revealed. "It is what it is. It went stupidly," concluded the judge in the end. For both men, the incident "had changed life sustainably."

The altercation between the 24-year-old and Burgstaller had occurred for a trivial reason. There was no sporting or football-related background. Burgstaller's girlfriend had asked the 24-year-old and a second man for a light for cigarettes at 6:00 a.m. in front of the disco, while Burgstaller and a Rapid teammate were negotiating with a taxi driver about the fare for the ride home. When the companion of the 24-year-old gave the young woman a rose, which he had bought from a passing flower seller, Burgstaller allegedly approached with the words "What do you want from her?" According to a forensic medical report, Burgstaller was significantly intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 1.68 per mille.

Attacker Did Not Know Former Rapid Vienna Player Burgstaller

A verbal altercation arose between the footballer and the 24-year-old. Subsequently, the 24-year-old gave Burgstaller a push or shove. At that time, the then Rapid striker had both hands in his pockets and retreated after the shove by taking one or two steps back. The 24-year-old then struck the footballer in the face with his left fist, hitting the right side. The 24-year-old allegedly was not aware that the person he hit was a striker for SK Rapid.

According to a forensic medical report, Burgstaller suffered a burst fracture of the skull as a result of the fall. This was associated with contusion foci in the cerebral cortex in the area of both frontal lobes and in the area of the left cerebellum, which were associated with bleeding between the meninges. Additionally, there was a trauma-induced left-sided inner ear hearing loss. In May 2025, Burgstaller announced the end of his career. He is now working as a youth coach at SK Rapid.

(APA/Red)

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