Matthäus' relief at girlfriend's safety

SK Rapid Wien sports director Lothar Matthäus breathed a sigh of relief after learning his New York-based girlfriend was not hurt in the United States terrorist attacks but expressed his sorrow at the "very shocking" tragedy.

Match postponed
The Austrian side saw their UEFA Cup first round first-leg trip to FK Partizan postponed after Tuesday's horrific events in America. But the Germany legend was worried for the safety of his partner, Maren Möller-Wohlfahrt, until he discovered she was unharmed.

'Very shocking'
The former German international said: "I am happy that I could reach her. It is reassuring to know that she's okay and safe. But what happened is very shocking and it is now very difficult to think about our everyday life."

'The right decision'
Matthaus and his squad were en route to Yugoslavia when they found out the match was off, and he said of UEFA's decision to postpone all this week’s remaining UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup matches: “It is the right decision.''

'Football is a minor matter'
Sk Sturm Graz coach Werner Gregoritsch, whose side learned their game at FC Utrecht was off after they had arrived in Holland, said: "At this time football is a minor matter."