Mattbro
13 Aug 2002, 12:24 PM
Here's an article I found at the Vienna Kurier website (www.kurier.at). Unfortunately, there's no direct link, but I've translated the article for your entertainment. Enjoy!
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The mystery of “Horror Stadium”
Macabre coincidence or sharp fence? For the third time already this season, a fan may have lost a finger at Horr Stadium in Vienna.
The first such incident took place last year during the friendly between Austria and Bayern Munich. The finger was found by stadium security personnel, yet the victim didn’t contact authorities until days later – at which time it was no longer possible for doctors to reattach the digit.
During the Vienna derby between Austria and Rapid a week ago, a 26-year-old soccer fan once again became caught on the fence during an enthusiastic goal celebration in such an unlucky fashion that his ring finger was severed. Despite quick action from police and medical personnel, it was too late for a successful operation.
In the visitors’ section
The rumor among fans has it that yet another severed finger was found last Saturday during the friendly between Austria and 1860 Munich. Once again, the digit was said to have been found on the east stand of Austria’s stadium – the steel-pipe stand behind the goal that is reserved for the supporters’ clubs of Austria’s opponents.
Fan expert Thomas Winklmann of the Vienna police department is only aware of the first two incidents. The supposedly problematic fence on the east stand has been approved by authorities.
Contrary to expectations, there had been no scuffles during the Vienna derby, according to Winklmann. The one-year stadium ban imposed on the seven Rapid hooligans who had rampaged in Eisenstadt appears to have served as a deterrent.
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The mystery of “Horror Stadium”
Macabre coincidence or sharp fence? For the third time already this season, a fan may have lost a finger at Horr Stadium in Vienna.
The first such incident took place last year during the friendly between Austria and Bayern Munich. The finger was found by stadium security personnel, yet the victim didn’t contact authorities until days later – at which time it was no longer possible for doctors to reattach the digit.
During the Vienna derby between Austria and Rapid a week ago, a 26-year-old soccer fan once again became caught on the fence during an enthusiastic goal celebration in such an unlucky fashion that his ring finger was severed. Despite quick action from police and medical personnel, it was too late for a successful operation.
In the visitors’ section
The rumor among fans has it that yet another severed finger was found last Saturday during the friendly between Austria and 1860 Munich. Once again, the digit was said to have been found on the east stand of Austria’s stadium – the steel-pipe stand behind the goal that is reserved for the supporters’ clubs of Austria’s opponents.
Fan expert Thomas Winklmann of the Vienna police department is only aware of the first two incidents. The supposedly problematic fence on the east stand has been approved by authorities.
Contrary to expectations, there had been no scuffles during the Vienna derby, according to Winklmann. The one-year stadium ban imposed on the seven Rapid hooligans who had rampaged in Eisenstadt appears to have served as a deterrent.