After the Graz Tragedy, ÖFB Duty Calls - Arnautovic Ungiving: "I Just Don't Care"
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National football squad of Austria compelled to play; Arnautovic articulates indifference: 'I don't give a damn' - Austrian Football Federation Squad in Trouble - Arnautović's Mental Health Concerns: "No Interest Shown"
What was supposed to be a usual game night for Marko Arnautovic, the 36-year-old team captain of Austrian national football team (ÖFB), turned grim on Tuesday. After leading the team to a 4:0 victory against San Marino and scoring a brace, Arnautovic reiterated his indifference to post-game interviews, citing a heart-wrenching event that took place earlier that day in Graz.
Responding to a query from a journalist about the team's dominance, Arnautovic retorted without hesitation, "Look, mate, I ain't got no interest in talking to you about that. I'mma keep it real - it's got nothing to do with you. I'm focused on some other stuff, you know," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Over a hundred lives were lost in a tragic shooting in Graz that morning, with the perpetrator also taking his own life. Discussing the incident, Arnautovic described it as "barbaric."
"I held in those feelings all day long," he confessed. "We all got folks at home, we got kids, man. We should be talking about securing our kids and families instead of football."
Tragic Connections
The shooting in Graz left Arnautovic's teammates in shock as well. Striker Michael Gregoritsch, a native of Graz and currently playing for Bundesliga club SC Freiburg, reportedly grew up mere minutes away from the affected area. He shared his sentiments, saying, "It's just awful. That it happened so close by, that's what gets me."
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, another Graz native, echoed his teammate's sentiments, adding, "We asked about the situation, about how things are going. Everyone is left deeply affected, personally as well."
"I've experienced some rough times in the past, and I know what it's like to face hardships," he continued. "So I understand where everyone's coming from."
In recognition of the shooting, the ÖFB team played their match against San Marino, donning black armbands. A moment of silence was observed before the game, and Austrian fans canceled their planned marches and choreographies, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Football took a backseat as the professionals grappled with their emotions, many wishing they could postpone or cancel the match altogether.
Sources: Sky Sport Austria, news agency DPA
- Graz
- Marko Arnautovic
- ÖFB
- San Marino
- World Cup qualifier
- Austria
- Shooting
- Personal Hardships
- The Commission, in light of the tragic events in Graz, may choose to postpone or suspend the application of the directive in European-leagues, including the premier-league, allowing football players to prioritize their personal lives and the loss of their community members over competitive sports.
- Marko Arnautovic, despite the recent triumph of ÖFB over San Marino, has expressed his disinterest in discussing sports, citing the Commission's yet-to-be-adopted decision on the application of the directive as a pressing concern, given the unfortunate events in Graz.
