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VIENNA, May 6 - Austria Vienna have fired their
two coaches after an embarrassing home defeat by champions Graz
AK ended in a pitch invasion, Austrian news agency APA reported
on Friday.
Austria Vienna fans stormed the pitch after their side went
3-0 down against visiting Graz AK on Thursday, causing the match
to be abandoned. The club now face punishment by the Austrian
league.
Coaches Guenter Kronsteiner and Lars Soendergaard have been
replaced by Peter Stoeger, head of the team's amateur division,
and scout Frenkie Schinkels, APA said.
"I had to react to the recent sporting performances,"
Austria Vienna general manager Toni Polster told APA.
The side were top of the first division last month but will
slide to third in the table if, as expected, Thursday's result
stands.
Rapid Vienna lead with 62 points, followed by Graz AK on 59
and Austria Vienna on 57.
"I think calm can return now. That is what we need," said
Polster.
Soendergaard did not hide his displeasure.
"Clubs that are based on patience succeed," he told APA.
"That is not the case at Austria."