The standard Irish football fan couldn't have a better reputation on a world scale, after last summer's Euros we've been acclaimed the coolest, most heart-warming, crazy craic-loving, kind-natured fans around by the world's media. And deservedly so. We're absolutely sound, all right.
The Austrians are also a great bunch of lads, and their fans have been making themselves known in Dublin today. Judging by this video, they're seriously up for this game.
As usual, we have a few scallywags in green trying to join in despite not having a clue what they're singing, but that's basically the impulsive reaction when our 'best fans in town' status is under threat.
But again, we are sound, and this was emphasised again today after a young Austrian couple had their wallets stolen on Wicklow Street which happened to contain all of their money, bank cards and match tickets.
Students Stefan Madlener and Valeria Lampert were over here for their first ever away game and told RTE they had decided to come to Ireland after seeing our fans in Poland in 2012, but the unfortunate situation they found themselves in has luckily been turned round, well for now, we sincerely hope they aren't still smiling at around 7pm this evening.
Big hearted Ireland fans on http://t.co/ioZytWl8J7 are collecting a few bob for two Austrian fans who were mugged http://t.co/m6yFGZ4rxX
— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) March 25, 2013
It was all thanks to supporter group YBIG who spotted the couple's plight on Twitter and decided to call out to people to donate a few bob to them. Their campaign resulted in raising more than the couple had stolen and the FAI also stepped in to replace their tickets. The remaining dosh will be given to charity.
Speaking to RTE the pair said:
We were really surprised. We never thought something like this would happen.
They gave us tickets and extra money - incredible. Such kind people
Fair play to them, and let's just hope they'll leave with dissapointment to go with that high opinion of us.
