Goalkeeper faces ban

Hedl charged after “provocative derby gesture”

Rapid goalkeeper Niklas Hedl will be charged by the Bundesliga after a "provocative gesture" in the derby against Austria. This was announced on Tuesday. A decision on a possible ban will be made soon.

No Viennese derby without an exciting scene! Although this action did not actually attract much attention at first. The "Kurier" reported on Monday evening about a "provocative gesture" by the Rapid goalie towards the Austria fan block shortly after the final whistle. 

Neither the VAR nor the referee noticed the action, which is why the Bundesliga took another look at the case and announced on Tuesday: "Niklas Hedl from SK Rapid will be reported to the responsible Senate 1 by the disciplinary prosecutor of the Austrian Football League after he made a provocative gesture after the final whistle of the match against FK Austria Vienna on Sunday." 

On Thursday at the latest, the criminal senate is to decide on a possible ban in the first instance. The penalty still in force against the goalkeeper from 2024 could also be a factor. This is currently suspended on probation ...