Spend any time in the center of a Polish city on a football match day, and you are bound to hear chanting from a distance. Follow that chanting and you will see a group of supporters, predominantly dressed in their team’s colors, marching along in a pack. They are drunk, they are loud, and even frightening to the locals. At a glance, it seems highly unlikely that they are congregated for a sporting event at all, but rather for the mere spectacle of congregating.
These Polish Ultras, so long at the periphery of the global football world, are now pushed into the forefront. With four shiny new stadiums in its four most prominent tourist destinations, the European – and global – footballing spotlight will shine on Poland this June for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship. Suddenly, the Polish (and similarly Ukrainian) footballing cultures have been catapulted to center stage. With this heightened focus, comes concern. As the first footballing tournament held in Eastern Europe since the fall of communism, there is a clash of the mainstream with the more violent and radical elements of Polish football.
The issues have emerged in the English speaking press as primarily the threat racial abuse and violence. Family members of black players for England have said they are likely to avoid traveling to Poland or Ukraine out of fear of racism. “There are reports over the last couple of weeks of racist taunts and threats, it’s just prudent for myself to keep away from it.” said the father of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Theo Walcott’s family has also said it would stay home. These concerns are validated by official reports. Amnesty International UK has given a warning to fans of the reality in Poland: “The harsh reality is that racism remains commonplace in Poland and there are numerous reports of xenophobia on the terraces and in the stands of Polish football grounds. For any fan choosing to travel to the country, they should be fully aware that their experience may well be far different from their experience here in the UK.”
FIFPro, the world player’s union, also shares the concerns of not only the players being racially abused, but also the visiting fans. Theo van Seggelen, secretary-general of FIFPro said that he believes EURO 2012 “will not be remembered for the atmosphere,” suggesting it will be remembered for what goes wrong. FIFPro’s research into racism and violence in Eastern Europe, published in February, found that over 10% of professional players had been victims of violence, and 9.6% of players in the region claiming to have been racially abused. With Euro 2012, and a large number of visiting fans, the likelihood of incidents inside of a stadium are decreased. But with that, comes a fear as to what will happen outside of the stadiums.
Many of the reports and comments are seemingly condescending and stereotypical towards Poland. It is easy to project a couple of news stories onto an entire population. BBC and other news sources have been active in portraying the numerous faults of Eastern European football in the lead up to these European Championships. The reports are somewhat harsh and over-broad in their comments and condemnation of Poland and Ukraine’s ability to hold an event, yet also speak to a truth that is even recognized by the Polish citizens. The reality of racism is not difficult to spot and must be considered a legitimate concern. Consider a banner from September, 2011, in a Europa League match between Legia Warszawa and Hapoel Tel Aviv (from Israel). Covering up an entire stand, it was intentionally offensive, written in Arabic style lettering: “Jihad Legia”. The connotations are obvious and disgusting, the meaning unmistakable.
There is certainly a dark side to the Ultras of Poland. Polish stadiums are not known to be safe among the local citizens. Fans are known to revel in fighting and fires. “Pseudo-fan” is a term used by one Polish citizen to describe the perception of the Ultras. The Ultra movement is something that extends beyond merely watching a sporting event, it is an all encompassing action in which pitch invasion and fire shows are considered to be amongst the minor disturbances.
There are legitimate concerns that the Polish Ultras will respond to the Euros in a stronger force than usual. In what seems contradictory, the Polish Ultras unabashedly hate the 2012 Euros that their own nation co-hosts. The numerous signs, t-shirts, and flags with the phrase “F*** Euro” found among Polish Ultras and in Polish stadiums are clear. To the Ultras, the Euros are a suppression of their culture; an invasion on their territory. Prior to the Euros being awarded to Poland, there was no crackdown on pyrotechnics and the rampant fighting. But in an attempt to modernize the Polish game to comply with UEFA rules in anticipation of the tournament, authorities enacted stricter penalties and increased enforcement towards unruly fans.
Polish Ultras are angry against, what in their view, is an intrusion on their own ground. Further, they believe they are being scapegoated for political gain. Politicians have linked Ultras to criminal activities, ranging from drugs, to prostitution, and the Mafia. Police have become tougher on Ultras entering stadiums. The media, which prior to 2007 often praised the Ultras, has now aligned with the mainstream condemnation of the Ultra’s activity. Some fans are not allowed into the stadium, and this has made Ultras upset. The Ultras, who have owned Polish football for years, are under attack because of Euro 2012, a tournament to which a large majority of Ultras cannot even afford the tickets.
Polish football is struggling, indicated by poor performances in Europe (ranked 20th in UEFA league coefficient) and poor play on the domestic pitch. Attendance for Polish games are low. European and Ekstraklasa (domestic league) games have been at about half attendance of less. Many Ultras this season have protested against the government crackdowns by not showing up to games. The protests have created a real solidarity between Ultras in Poland, but also highlights the disconnect between the clean-up movement and the Ultras themselves. The Ultras do not accept the need to improve the security situation in games. While it must be conceded that the attempted cleanup likely was not undertaken in the most efficient or politically neutral manner, it was nevertheless necessary. Unfortunately, it has created a backlash, and this backlash has resonated in the Western media.
Anytime there is a clash of culture and economics and upheaval, conflict will ensue. The Euros are no different. Brand new top of the line stadiums do not solve problems that are deep rooted in issues far greater than football. The Ultra movement in Poland is something deeper and greater than just football. It is rooted in economics and politics; these conflicts have existed for many years prior to 2012. But because of the crackdown, Polish Ultras likely will plan to get revenge and embarrass the local government. The political issues leading to Ultra movement and crackdown are complex, yet there is no mistaking the real concern that the Ultras will take the fight to the streets. As they will not likely be in the stadiums, the streets will be the only place to showcase their passionate anger.
Despite the concerns with Ultras, there is the chance that the media has been too harsh on Poland. Poland has countless charms, and to miss them, and the main footballing event of 2012 because of a minority is a tragedy. Undoubtedly the Polish government and police will be on high alert and in full force after years of preparation to now be on the world stage. After all, Poland has spent 20 billion Euros on the upcoming tournament, and will surely seize its moment to shine. All four cities in Poland are popular tourist destinations, which are continually hosting visitors from around the world without issue.
The political concerns for Euro 2012 exists in Ukraine as well, with both fears of racism and protests for the government’s political actions. With Russia set to host both the Olympics and World Cup in the near future, these issues will surely arise again and be at the front of the Western European media. A better understanding of the forces at work, rather than broad stereotyping and protesting can help further the growth of the host nations while being a rewarding experience for all participants – visitors, teams, locals, and even the angry Ultras. In the meantime, we can hope that the police forces are ready to handle the minority of footballing fans who intend to use the Euro stage to cause trouble.
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Of course not blaming this website but in general I think this is being overplayed, not helped by the xenophobic English press looking for a story. Before every world cup and euros in recent history you hear of how the host country will not deliver and about the problems, then we’re usually told that brave England is on standby to take over. It’s nonsense.
Poland like a lot of European countries, including Spain and Italy has a problem with racism in some areas of society. But all 4 host cities are modern and used to having large numbers of tourists who are not racially abused as they enjoy a beer. In fact it’s usually the British stag parties that are abusing the locals.
This is not a club tournament, these ultras will not be at the matches. If they arrange to congregate then the police will handle it. Just like the British police still handle fighting before club matches in the UK. It will not be in the city centres and fan zones.
At the moment Poland is really buzzing, ordinary people are excited about the tournament, it reminds me a lot of Euro 96. And of course the article above could easily have been written about England before that tournament.
You may excellent points and I agree with them. The English press is no doubt xenophobic, and makes broad stereotypes: I saw headlines claiming people “coming back in coffins” today.
I think a large part of the anger is the fact that the ultras themselves cannot be at the matches. And of course, the visible fan art professing their hatred for Euros: http://www.deviantart.com/download/302083117/fuck_euro_2012_by_ajwaj-d4zuotp.png
However it only takes a small minority to cause a problem, not the fact that the vast majority of the country is ready and prepared and even though all four cities are wonderful places to visit.
The last post was mine btw, I had a screen name saved. Thanks for commenting.
I have to say as a Pole I find reports in English media and some tweets of popular journalists (see Oliver Holt, for example) portraying us all as racists and murderers as abusive. Poland is the fastest growing country in Europe, with full democracy and being 25 I’m proud and thankful to my parents’ generation for all we’ve achieved in 23 years of democracy. Euro 2012 is yet another step in our long journey. Poland was never in so good situation, economically and politically. Country is modernised and those four new stadiums are probably the most advanced in the whole Europe. We’re now full Europeans without complexes and we don’t expect British press to patronise us. I look forward to the tournament being proud we can host fans from other countries here. I really hope they’ll have a great time in Poland and I’m sure they’ll be surprised by what they will see after reading articles of journos which have never been to Poland. Just to remind you – there was a mass hysteria in German press before WC 2006 because of “Polish animals” coming to Germany. After the tournament Polish fans got UEFA Best Fans Award. Of course you can find idiots everywhere. They exist in Poland, they exist in Ukraine, they exist in Britain as well (look at BNP for example) and stupidity has no country, just like racism or any kind of hatred. I’m regularly abused by British citizens which hate Poles living in Britain because they “take their jobs”, “can only clean” or sth. (I live in Poland though). Is it racism or stupidity? Should I say all Britons are racists or nationalists? Never in life! And it’s true we’ve got our problems but then again – who hasn’t? Poland is changing rapidly, maybe too fast for focused only on England English tabloids. Unfortunately changing stereotypes takes more than changing the reality, especially for some uneducated people still living like it was 1980 and thinking Poland, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus are all the same.
I agree with a lot of this. The representation in the media has made isolated incidents look like the national norm. I’m sure that the event will run smoothly and be considered a success like South Africa 2010 is!
Just to let you know – journalist of Polish biggest sport newspaper, “Przegląd Sportowy” Piotr Wierzbicki wrote today in his editorial that author of this “Panorama” document contacted him one month ago to ask if he could feature in this film. Wierzbicki rejected request after BBC reporter said what he SHOULD say there – that Poland is full of racists and antisemists and that all black players in Poland agree with it. Polish journo answered that it’s much more complicated matter and while there are idiots in Poland, it’s simply not fair to portray the whole country as a racist gang. After this answer, BBC never called again. Hardly famous high BBC journalism standards.
Very interesting bit of information, wish I had this for the article. I know for a fact that there are racists in Poland, but there are a minority of those type in every country and culture in the world.
Really poor journalism and integrity by BBC that is supposed to be so reputable. The complicated matter is true of anything, for the BBC to portray it otherwise is a wrong.
Excellent post, thank you for sharing.
I have spent quite a bit of time in Poland, and have great things to say about it. I am excited that they are hosting the Euros, and disappointed personally that because of career commitments I will not be attending. Being in Gdansk or Wroclaw in the summer with all the football would be amazing.
Of course it has its down parts too, and even the down parts are not just because people are terrible there – but in my opinion are rooted in economic, educational, or political factors.
That being said, I think the fact that so many diehard Polish Ultras are opposed to such an extraordinary footballing event – in fact making Poland the center of the footballing world (with Ukraine) – shows that there is an element of supporters that care less about the sport and more about other things.
I don’t know if it’s allowed to post links here but http://euro2012.przegladsportowy.pl/Pilka-nozna-Euro-2012-Anglicy-o-Euro-2012,artykul,138378,1,482.html here you have this piece from Polish journalist. Unfortunately in Polish and I don’t know what google translator can do with it.
However… I agree with you and I’m always against racism or xenophobia or any kind of hatred and while this Panorama document resonates here in Poland and majority of people are outraged because we believe it was not fair, we also can’t forget we’ve got real issues with hooliganism and racism in the stands. And you have to admit that all things showed there were true. But you can point out the problem in a balanced way, like you did in your piece here or just show like they did in BBC.
And people have to remember also that Euro 2012 fans are not league games fans. Firstly because – as you wrote – majority of league Ultras don’t care about football, secondly because it was lottery to determine who gets tickets. That’s why it’s impossible to have big Ultras groups sitting (standing) together during Euro games.
Thanks for sharing. Good information.
Here is another good English language piece I came across – http://t.co/JHKn9ocl .
BBC really went all out to portray it one way- I guess to appeal to their audience.
There’s certainly two sides to this.
To ignore the issues completely would be a mistake.
Without a doubt though, the media is blowing this entirely out of proportion. After all, that’s what the media does with everything.
The quote about “people coming back in coffins,” was from a former footballer, I can’t remember his name at the moment.
Sol Campbell- and it was a terrible quote.
I didn’t realize exactly how bad it was being blown out of proportion until the BBC aired the thing yesterday. There are two sides to the issue of course.
Thanks for commenting.
Polish Home Secretary said yesterday that they should ask some security experts about security issues in Poland, not former footballer. I can only add that Sol Campbell has never been to Poland as a player. And British Embassy in Warsaw confirmed that they have not recorded racist incidents in Poland against British citizens in the past 18 months.
Sorry that I write only about Poland but I don’t know much about Ukraine issues and I’ve never been to a football match in Ukraine.
a good article if anyone hasn’t seen it – http://t.co/JHKn9ocl