Football: Austria with Mourning Band after Attack in Graz School

Following the attack in a Graz school, the Austrian national football team will wear mourning ribbons in the World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday in Serravalle against San Marino. Additionally, a minute of silence will be held before the kickoff. The same applies to the U21 team's test match in Wiener Neustadt against Hungary. "In these painful hours, our thoughts are with the relatives and those affected. Much strength in this difficult time!" the ÖFB announced.

The approximately 1,500 supporters of the ÖFB team who traveled to San Marino canceled their fan march to the stadium and also refrained from a previously planned choreography. Instead, a 60 by 1.5 meter large, completely black banner without inscription and a 12 by 1 meter large banner with the inscription "In thoughts with you - Graz is not alone!" were announced. Already two hours before the kickoff, a black banner with two white crosses and the word "Graz" in the middle was visible in the San Marino Stadium.

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 horrific and senseless act of violence," stated the team captain, who is in rehabilitation training and did not travel to San Marino.

"Graz Stands Together"

There were also condolences from some Bundesliga clubs. Champion Sturm Graz tweeted: "The terrible events in 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 division 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 Vienna "Speechless"

Vice-champion Red Bull Salzburg wrote on social media: "These are news that leave one speechless. 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!" the Hütteldorfers shared.

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)

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