Austrian fans have match tickets and money stolen in street attack

Two Austrian football fans in Dublin for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland had their match tickets and money stolen when they were mugged in the city centre yesterday.

The fans, in their 30s, were attacked on their way to the Guinness Storehouse brewery.

They contacted the Austrian fans’ embassy, an organisation set up during Euro 2008 for the country’s supporters when they are travelling abroad.

The gardaí were also informed. The tickets, which cost €50 and €80 respectively, have since been replaced.

About 3,000 Austrian supporters are expected for tonight’s game.

The fans' embassy organiser David Hudelist said a lot of work had gone into ensuring that the Austrian fans had a good time while in Dublin.

“We met a lot of Irish fans and we’ve had good craic. There is a real party mood around,” he said.

“We have a great relationship with the FAI and the Irish fans. They have been a great help.”