Austria coach Ralf Rangnick has made a significant decision by dropping three players from the national team squad for upcoming friendly games due to their involvement in anti-gay chants following the Vienna derby last month. The players excluded from the squad are Marco Grüll, Guido Burgstaller, and goalkeeper Niklas Hedl, who were captured on video participating in the chanting after Rapid Vienna's 3-0 victory against Austria Vienna on Feb. 25.
Rangnick expressed his strong stance against such behavior, stating, 'This is something that I will not tolerate in a team where I am a coach, whether in a club or here with the national team.' He emphasized that the values upheld by the national team are fundamentally opposed to such discriminatory actions and conveyed this message directly to the players.
The coach clarified that the exclusion of the players is not permanent, leaving room for a potential return to the squad for the European Championship. However, he expects the players to grasp the seriousness of the issue and the impact of public insults and discrimination on individuals.
Grüll, Burgstaller, and Hedl were among five Rapid Vienna players who faced sanctions from the Austrian Bundesliga for their involvement in the anti-gay chanting. The league imposed bans on the players, as well as Rapid Vienna's managing director and assistant coach, and mandated their participation in discrimination workshops.
The disciplinary actions taken by the league reflect a zero-tolerance approach towards discriminatory behavior in Austrian football. The bans and educational workshops aim to raise awareness and promote inclusivity within the sport.
Looking ahead, Austria is gearing up for Euro 2024, where they are placed in Group D alongside formidable opponents such as France, the Netherlands, and a playoff winner. The tournament, scheduled to be hosted in Germany from June 14 to July 14, presents a platform for Austria to showcase their talent and unity on the international stage.
