The picture spread like wildfire on social media: a red-colored pig, suspended by its legs, dangled Monday morning from a motorway bridge at the Seiersberg exit.
The perpetrators are unknown, but supporters of SK Sturm are probably behind the action – corresponding stickers were found on the bridge.
Police speak of danger
According to the police, it was a real pig, and there was a traffic jam in the morning. The officials are now investigating that there was a hazard: “The pig could have fallen on the highway or it could have been an accident because of the distraction for the driver,” said spokesman Markus Lamb. In any case, the fire brigade removed the carcass in the morning and brought it to the animal body recycling.
Police: “Take clubs and fans at their word!”
Not only because of this action, the police are loudly in favor of respectful cooperation: “As the police, we have done our homework in the best possible way and are well prepared for the upcoming derby in Graz. If necessary, we can take appropriate action. Now it’s up to every single football fan to make this city derby an emotional but peaceful football festival for the families in our city,” said operations manager Willibald Gutschi.
The two clubs and their fan clubs are held accountable or taken at their word: “Despite sporting rivalries, both clubs have assured us of their efforts and efforts to ensure fair cooperation. We assume that these are not just empty phrases and that both clubs actually live and implement their respective models and principles – such as respect and dignity – in our common city,” said the officer.
Security area and locks
The game in the Merkur-Arena starts at 6 p.m., both clubs call for fan marches from 2 p.m only last as short as possible; nevertheless, traffic disruptions are to be expected.
However, due to fears of fan riots, the police are also setting up a security area around the stadium from 12 p.m. to midnight. The security area includes the area within the following streets: Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße No. 151 – Evangelimanngasse – Harmsdorfgasse – Weinholdstraße – Dr.-Lister-Gasse – Lortzinggasse to the intersection with Liebenauer Hauptstraße – Raiffeisenstraße No. 176 – Lisztgasse intersection – Kollwitzgasse – Eduard-Keil-Gasse – Kasernstraße to the intersection with Senefeldergasse – Raiffeisenstraße No. 61 – Conrad-von-Hötzendorf-Straße No. 151.
Fine of up to 1,000 euros
Hooligans who are already known to the authorities are not allowed into the security zone from the outset, and rioters can be expelled from the security area – they face a fine of up to 1,000 euros or four weeks in prison.