The relationship between Rafał Trzaskowski and football supporters — from a variety of clubs — can safely be described as… strained. Today, at two separate fixtures, banners appeared in the stands urging voters to shun the Civic Coalition’s presidential candidate. It is hardly the first such incident.
Poland holds the first round of its presidential election on 18 May; a decisive second round is scheduled for 1 June. The months-long campaign shows no sign of slowing and is spilling over into other corners of public life, football stadiums included.
Niezalezna.pl has repeatedly covered fresh acts of “anti-support” directed at Rafał Trzaskowski by fans of numerous clubs. Supporters from across the country have not held back in their criticism of the Civic Coalition hopeful.
Some observers — such as Sports Minister Sławomir Nitras — have tried to explain the displays. “This is a coordinated action by Mr Nawrocki’s campaign team. I have no doubt,” the minister insisted a few days ago, concluding: “Stadium hooligans are currently backing Nawrocki.”
Fans vs. Trzaskowski — yet again
The pattern repeated today: fresh banners were draped over the terraces during two top-flight matches.
PKO BP Ekstraklasa, Radom – Radomiak Radom hosted Pogoń Szczecin and celebrated a 2-0 victory. Mid-match, a banner appeared in the home stand declaring: “18.05 – ANYONE BUT TRZASKOWSKI!”
Ekstraklasa, Lubin – During Zagłębie Lubin’s clash with Widzew Łódź, another banner was unfurled: “Vote wisely so you don’t wake up in a rainbow Poland!”
For Trzaskowski, football stadiums remain a hostile arena — and, as the election nears, the terraces are becoming an increasingly visible stage for political protest.