After Graz Shooting, ÖFB Team Presses On – Arnautovic Unimpressed: "I Don't Give a Damn"
- 2 Min
West Ham United's É́́ team mandated to compete - Arnautović disgruntled: 'I don't give a damn' - Austrian First League Player Obligated to Perform - Arnautovic in Tempest: "Uninterested"
Tuesday night was business as usual for Marko Arnautovic, captain of the ÖFB squad: He led the team out for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino, put in a full 90 minutes, and notched two goals. Austria emerged victorious 4-0 in the end. However, Arnautovic wasn't interested in discussing the game post-match.
Coach Ralf Rangnick demanded a dominating performance—did he see it today? A Sky Sport Austria journalist asked the seemingly dejected Arnautovic. He retorted bluntly, "Listen, I'm gonna keep it real, it ain't got nothing to do with you, but I got no interest in chatting with you."
More pressing matters demanded attention, the footballer underscored. "Don't ask me about the game, 'cause I ain't happy, I don't give a damn. I'm just skrewed up in my head right now"—he referred to the Austrian city of Graz, where a shooting had taken place that morning, resulting in eleven deaths. The perpetrator also took his own life. Arnautovic described the event as "a nightmare."
"I had to hold back my emotions all day," he admitted. "We've all got families at home, we've all got kids at home." The focus should be on ensuring the safety of their kids, not on football.
Team imbroglio in Graz
Arnautovic's teammates were equally shaken by the Graz shooting. Austria's striker Michael Gregoritsch, who plays for Bundesliga club SC Freiburg, hails from Graz himself. According to his own account, he grew up mere minutes from the affected area. "It's heartbreaking. It's just so close, and that's the worst part," said Gregoritsch.
Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Sabitzer also grew up in the city. "We asked about the current situation, how everyone's doing. Naturally, everyone's shocked," said the 31-year-old following the game. "If you've been through tough times before, you can relate to it."
The ÖFB team took the field against San Marino with a black armband. Before the game, there was a moment of silence. The Austrian fans' planned march and choreography were abandoned. The shock ran deep, with football taking a back seat. The pros would've preferred not to play at all.
Sources: Sky Sport Austria, DPA news agency
- Graz
- Marko Arnautovic
- ÖFB
- San Marino
- World Cup qualifier
- Austria
- Shooting
Enrichment Data:
While the specific impact of the Graz shooting on the ÖFB team and individual players like Marko Arnautovic and Michael Gregoritsch might not be immediately known, events like these generally have a substantial influence on sports communities.
General Impact on Sports Teams
- Emotional Well-being: Incidents like shootings can cause stress and anxiety among the public, including athletes, which can affect team morale and performance.
- Security Measures: Such events might prompt increased security measures at sporting venues, including bag checks, metal detectors, and police presence.
- Community Support: Teams often display solidarity with affected communities, providing support and sharing condolences as a means to foster unity.
Specific Impact on ÖFB Team
- Public Perception: The ÖFB team may experience increased empathy or scrutiny from the public in the wake of a local tragedy.
- Player Responses: Players like Arnautovic and Gregoritsch may emotionally react to the event, potentially impacting their focus and performance on the field. They might also participate in community events to show support, impacting their public image and fanbase.
Conclusion
While the exact impact of the Graz shooting on the ÖFB team and its players isn't clear without official statements or reports, incidents like these can have lasting effects on sports communities. They often lead to increased camaraderie and solidarity within the community, with players using their platforms to express condolences and support.
- Despite the pressing matter of the Graz shooting, the Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of the directive regarding the World Cup qualifier match.
- Sports, specifically football, served as a temporary distraction for the ÖFB squad amidst the trauma caused by the Graz shooting, with players like Marko Arnautovic and Michael Gregoritsch deeply affected by the incident.
