WARSAW, Poland (JTA) — A group of soccer fans in Poland attacked an Israeli team following a game.
Two people affiliated with the Israeli team, Hapoel Petach Tikvah, were injured in the incident Wednesday evening in Sochocin, about 45 miles northwest of Warsaw, after the Israelis defeated MKS Ciechanow, 2-0, in an exhibition game.
Following the game, some masked fans broke onto the field trying to beat the members of the Israeli team and its staff.
MKS Ciechanów condemned the incident and stressed that the club and its fans had nothing to do with it.
“First and foremost, we emphasize that our Club regrets the whole situation and strongly condemns the behavior of the perpetrators of this perilous incident, but at the same time we stress that none of the members of our Club-related community had anything to do with the whole situation,” read a statement issued by the club.
MKS Ciechanów said the attackers were fans of the Legia Warsaw team.
The Israelis said the action was planned because attackers waited until police providing security had left the area.
Police from Plonsk and Radom are investigating the incident.
“The information provided to the police shows that in the area adjacent to the hotel where the Israeli team was staying, a group of masked people rushed to two members of the team, beat them and ran away. The victims suffered minor abrasions,” read the statement on the police website.
The Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sport said it is working with authorities in Poland to find those responsible for the attack and see they are punished.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
