Vienna derby descends into chaos as fans clash on the pitch with fireworks

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The Vienna derby was marred by chaotic scenes following full-time as supporters of the rival teams clashed on the pitch on Sunday night.

Rapid Vienna ran out 2-1 winners over their bitter enemies Austria Vienna, at the Franz Horr Stadium, to move top of the Austrian Bundesliga as they look to win the title for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign.

Goals from Dion Beljo and Matthias Seidl on either side of Andreas Gruber’s first-half strike ensured that all three points went to Rapid.

However, after the final whistle, the encounter descended into chaos as both sets of fans overhauled the security on site and stormed the pitch.

The supporters soon began fighting with some even brandishing fireworks in an attempt to hurt one another among the horrific scenes.

The Vienna derby between Rapid and Austria was marred by chaotic riots by fans post-match

Rapid Vienna beat their rivals 2-1 to go top of the Austrian Bundesliga before chaos erupted

Rapid Vienna beat their rivals 2-1 to go top of the Austrian Bundesliga before chaos erupted

Footage circulating the internet displays that some flares were deployed by Rapid fans into the away section.

This further sparked fury from the Austria supporters who then spilled onto the pitch in their hundreds.

Soon after, armed police came to the aid of security in an attempt to detain many of the offenders still fighting on the turf.

It has been reported by Austrian media outlet Kronen Zeitung that nine people were injured in the riots, including six police officers.

Following the grim scenes, Rapid’s coach Robert Klauss struggled to compute what he had just witnessed and called for something to be done about the unsatisfactory scenes.

‘Of course, I’m shocked. What’s happening out there is a no-go,’ said Klauss. ‘It has to be stopped. We players and coaches got there faster than the emergency services.’

Austria Vienna’s coach Stephan Helm also hit out at the fights and questioned the fans’ intentions of coming to matches.

‘It’s shocking that such riots can occur in a country like Austria,’ said Helm. ‘It’s nothing to do with football. The platform is being used for completely different things.’

Rapid head coach Robert Klausscalled for action stating that he was 'shocked' at the riots

 Rapid head coach Robert Klausscalled for action stating that he was ‘shocked’ at the riots

The derby in Austria’s capital city is European football’s second most played derby each season behind the Old Firm between Celtic and Rangers.

It is also the oldest city rivalry in mainland Europe, with the two sides first taking to battle back 113 years ago.

Between them, Rapid and Austria have won the top flight 56 times, with the former reigning supreme on more occasions, with 32 Austrian Bundesliga titles to their name.

The two sides also boast the record of having never been relegated from their country’s top tier.

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