Perfektes fussballwetter put the finishing touches to twelve months of toil as 1800 boisterous violetten filled the grassy banks at Austria Salzburg’s new home with colour and noise amid unprecedented scenes on Saturday.

Travelling Eugendorf fans welcomed their new opponents to the league with banners in support of their ‘greatest victory over modern football’, but the visitors’ warmth wasn’t reciprocated on the field as they were defeated 2-1 by the fledgling Salzburgers.

Fans from all over Austria and beyond made the journey to their tiny ground, many of whom had not stood side-by-side in support of the team since Red Bull closed their terrace and dubbed them hooligans last year. The proceedings were lent a familiar air as Didi Ziesel, the matchday announcer at their old Lehener stadium, took to the mic once more. After the final whistle, the players and fans celebrated in unison as violet fan culture made raucous, yet peaceful return to the city.

Meanwhile, over in New Jersey, a travelling circus named after a soft drinks firm drew a crowd way short of the anticipated 80,000. Those who turned up watched empty-headed as ringmaster Alexi Lalas attempted the death-defying removal of his head from his own arse while a football match was simulated in the background.

See also: Austria Salzburg, Red Bull | Comments Off