Austria National Team Drops Players for Homophobic Chanting

In a strong message against discrimination, Austria’s national team coach, Ralf Rangnick, has excluded three players from the squad for upcoming friendly matches.

Reason for Omission:

The players, Marco Grüll, Guido Burgstaller, and goalkeeper Niklas Hedl from Rapid Vienna, were caught participating in homophobic chants following their team’s derby win on February 25th.

Coach’s Stance:

Rangnick emphasized his disapproval of the players’ actions, stating, “In that case, I expect the boys to take this issue seriously and understand what it means for people when they are publicly insulted or discriminated against in such a way.”

Temporary or Permanent?

While excluded from the upcoming friendlies against Slovakia and Turkey, Rangnick left the door open for their return, suggesting the action may not be permanent. However, he stressed the importance of the players demonstrating a genuine understanding of the impact of their actions.

Wider Context:

The incident reflects a broader fight against discrimination in football, with homophobic abuse a persistent issue. Rangnick’s decision sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated within the Austria national team.

Sanctions Beyond National Team:

It’s important to note that the players were also sanctioned by their club, Rapid Vienna, receiving bans for several games and being required to participate in anti-discrimination workshops.

Looking Forward:

Whether these players regain their spots in the national team will depend on their response to the situation. Austria’s stance against discrimination sets a positive example for other teams and fans worldwide.