In a somber tribute to the victims of today’s horrific school shooting in Graz, the Austrian national football team will observe a minute of silence and wear black armbands during their World Cup qualifier against San Marino in Serravalle tonight. The attack in Graz left at least 11 people dead and dozens wounded, profoundly shocking the city and the world.
The Austrian Football Association expressed its deep condolences and solidarity: “In these painful moments, our thoughts are with the families and those affected. We wish them strength and courage to overcome this difficult time!”
Approximately 1,500 Austrian fans who traveled to San Marino canceled their planned march to the stadium and abandoned their usual pre-match choreography. Instead, they displayed a plain black banner and another bearing the message “We are thinking of you – Graz is not alone!” Additionally, two hours before kickoff, a black banner with two white crosses and the word “Graz” at its center was seen inside the San Marino stadium.
Among the victims reported to have lost their life is a Kosovar student from the city of Vitia.
The Austria-San Marino match is scheduled to kick off at 8:45 PM.
