Austria’s national team coach, Ralf Rangnick, has made a bold statement by dropping three players from the squad for upcoming friendly games. This decision came after the players were involved in anti-gay chants following a Vienna derby last month. Rangnick’s message is clear – there is no place for discrimination in his team, whether at the club level or with the national team.
Consequences and Expectations
The players in question, Marco Grüll, Guido Burgstaller, and goalkeeper Niklas Hedl, have been excluded from the squad for games against Slovakia and Turkey. Despite this, Rangnick has not ruled out the possibility of their return for the European Championship. However, he expects them to understand the gravity of their actions and to take the issue of discrimination seriously.
In addition to being dropped from the national team, the players faced consequences at the club level as well. The Austrian Bundesliga banned five Rapid Vienna players, including Grüll, Burgstaller, and Hedl, for participating in the anti-gay chanting. The league also imposed sanctions on Rapid’s managing director and assistant coach for their involvement in the incident.
As part of their punishment, the players were required to participate in workshops on the issue of discrimination. This not only serves as a form of education but also as an opportunity for redemption. Rangnick’s decision to leave the door open for their return shows that he values growth and understanding over punitive measures.
Looking Ahead
Austria finds itself in a challenging group at Euro 2024, alongside powerhouses like France and the Netherlands. With the tournament set to be hosted in Germany, the national team faces a tough road ahead. Rangnick’s stance against discrimination sends a message not only to his players but to the entire footballing community – inclusivity and respect are non-negotiable values.
Rangnick’s decision to drop the players for their involvement in anti-gay chants is a bold move that sets a clear precedent for the team’s values. By taking a stand against discrimination, he has shown that there is no room for such behavior in the sport. As Austria prepares for Euro 2024, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and respect in football.