'Something I will not tolerate' - Former Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick leaves three Austria players out of March squad due to homophobic chanting videos

Guido Burgstaller, Marco Grull, and Niklas Hedl, players representing Rapid Vienna were caught on camera engaging in homophobic chants after their team's 3-0 victory over city rivals Austria Vienna on February 26. The videos of their actions circulated on social media platforms, sparking outrage and necessitating apologies from both the players and their club, Rapid Vienna.

In response to the incident, Rangnick opted not to select the trio for Austria's upcoming matches against Slovakia and Turkey on March 23 and 26, respectively. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Rangnick stated via the German outlet Sportschau that such behaviour, which publicly insults and discriminates against others, will not be tolerated in his team.

Speaking to Sportschau, Rangnick said: "(The players must) seriously address this issue and understand what it means for people when they are publicly insulted and discriminated against in such a way. That is something I will not tolerate in my team. Everything we stand for with the national team is diametrically opposed to the other end of the value scale.”

Rapid released a statement condemning the incident and said: "You can see and hear inappropriate and insulting statements that should not have been made like that and for which SK Rapid as a whole can only ask for forgiveness.”

Whereas, Burgstaller, admitted: “Unfortunately, we cannot undo this mistake. In this way, we would also like to clearly distance ourselves from any discrimination and homophobia and apologise to anyone who we have directly or indirectly offended through our behaviour. We are aware that we have a role model effect, and unfortunately, we absolutely did not live up to this role with our actions after the game.”

Grull posted an apology on Instagram that read: "I would also like to take this opportunity to personally apologise to everyone for the words I said after the Vienna derby. As players, we have a certain role model function and we certainly did not fulfil this in this situation. I can only sincerely apologise for this and assure you that we will bear the full consequences. Like my team-mates, I also clearly distance myself from any kind of marginalisation; homophobia must have no place in our society. In conclusion, all that remains to be said is: sorry!”

Rangnick has been at the helm of the Austria national team since April 2022. He has been instrumental in guiding the team to qualify for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, where David Alaba & Co find themselves in a challenging group featuring France, the Netherlands, and the winner of one of the qualification play-offs.