Crystal Palace’s international supporters’ network has expanded with the launch of the Austrian Eagles, an officially recognised fan association created to unite Palace supporters across Austria.
The group was founded by Vienna-based fan Nico Hofer, whose connection with the club began in 2021. During a visit to Selhurst Park for a Monday-night meeting with Brighton, Hofer approached a supporter for help finding a ticket. That chance encounter led to an invitation to join the fan’s friends, creating a lasting connection with the Palace community.
Since then, Hofer has repeatedly travelled from Austria to attend Palace matches at home and away, including the club’s last two appearances at Wembley. He has also introduced almost 30 fellow Austrians to Selhurst Park and has marked his own commitment to the club with a Palace tattoo. His regular match trips with other Austrian supporters, among them friends of Oliver Glasner’s son, helped inspire the creation of the new association.
The Austrian Eagles’ stated aim is to provide a community for Palace fans in Austria, help supporters travel to matches in England and share knowledge about attending games. The group officially launched around Palace’s friendly against Augsburg at Hofmaninger-Stadion, where Austrian and UK-based supporters gathered. On the occasion, Hofer and fellow members presented Glasner and his coaching staff with honorary lifetime memberships.
Glasner’s success at Palace has helped raise the club’s profile in Austria, according to Hofer, who believes interest has grown significantly in recent years. The fan club now hopes to build on that momentum by giving Austrian supporters more opportunities to watch Palace together and strengthen their links with the wider club community. Hofer’s next journey will take him to Wembley for the Community Shield, continuing a relationship with Palace that began with one unexpected welcome at Selhurst Park.
