During Saturday’s match between Górnik Zabrze and Piast Gliwice, a well-known fan display bearing the slogan “Do boju Polsko!” (“Forward, Poland!”) appeared in the stands. It had previously drawn attention when security services refused to allow it into the Poland–Netherlands match at PGE Narodowy.
The matter dates back to November last year, when the team coached by Jan Urban hosted the Netherlands in a World Cup qualifying match. The game stirred strong emotions, which were further intensified by a controversial decision by security staff. Supporters were barred from bringing into the stadium a display prepared for Independence Day, along with 300 white-and-red flags.
It is worth noting that the decision came shortly after Poland’s match against Lithuania in Kaunas. The stands were attended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who was treated rather harshly by fans. For this reason, the association responsible for organizing support for the national team assessed the Warsaw decision as politically motivated.
The publicly banned display was shown for the first time during Poland’s away match against Malta. It was then projected onto the Pałac Prezydencki, which was interpreted as a gesture of support from President Karol Nawrocki.
Soon afterward, the tifo—this time in physical form—was presented by supporters of ŁKS Łódź during a match against Wisła Kraków. On Saturday, it appeared in the stands once again—this time brought by Górnik Zabrze fans.
Will the previously banned display become a symbol within supporter communities? The fact that it has been presented by two unrelated fan groups is certainly something unusual.