Homophobia scandal in Vienna
Singing after derby victory brings trouble for Werder’s new signing
February 27, 2024, 4:58 p.m
The joy of the clear derby win against Austria Vienna is already over for SK Rapid Vienna. Videos of homophobic chants by football professionals are making the rounds. A former Schalke player regrets the incident, and a future Werder Bremen player also shows remorse.
Werder Bremen’s new signing Marco Grüll faces consequences after participating in homophobic chants. The professional footballer, who will join the North Germans in the summer, has apologized after the scandal. “We as players have a certain role model function and we certainly didn’t live up to that in this situation,” said the 25-year-old on Instagram.
The offensive player, who currently plays for Rapid Vienna, and former Bundesliga professional Guido Burgstaller, among others, insulted derby opponents Austria Vienna after the 3-0 win on Sunday, as video recordings on the Internet show. Several players sang “We are not poor violets”. Burgstaller, who played for Schalke 04 and FC St. Pauli, also apologized on Instagram.
When asked, Werder Bremen said they did not want to comment on the incident in more detail. It was only said that the Green-Whites were in contact with Grüll and that he had shown insight.
“No place for homophobia”
The executive board of the Austrian club Rapid condemned the players’ chants “in the strongest possible terms,” as it said in a statement: “The denigration of people based on different characteristics or lifestyles should have no place at Rapid.” The incidents should be dealt with internally. The Austrian Bundesliga announced that it had filed a complaint with the league’s Penalty and Credentials Committee against those involved. There is a risk of penalties such as suspensions and possible point deductions.
“I can only sincerely apologize for this and assure you that we will bear the full consequences,” wrote Grüll. “Like my teammates, I also clearly distance myself from any kind of exclusion,” he added and said: “Homophobia must have no place in our society.”
The incident is likely to cause discussions on the Weser. The organized fans and the club have been campaigning against discrimination and racism for years. At the beginning of February, Werder announced the signing of the Austrian international for the summer. The striker comes on a free transfer.