Protesting Olsen's absence in Poland, fans of Haifa show support with a banner - Unrest in Poland spurred by displays of Haifa supporters' banners
In the recent UEFA match held in Debrecen, Hungary, a banner displayed by Maccabi Haifa fans has caused a stir, leading to widespread outrage in Poland. The banner, which read "Murderers since 1939," was seen as deeply offensive and historically inaccurate by Polish authorities and public figures.
The year 1939 holds significant importance, marking the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany, which initiated World War II. Poland, a victim of Nazi aggression and occupation, viewed the banner as a false accusation and disrespectful to the memory of Poles who suffered under Nazi atrocities. More than five million people, including three million Polish Jews, lost their lives during the war.
Polish officials, including the Foreign Ministry and President Karol Nawrocki, strongly condemned the banner, describing it as "scandalous" and "stupidity that no words can explain." The Israeli embassy in Warsaw also condemned the "disgraceful behavior of some fans," stressing that such words and actions have no place in the stadium or elsewhere.
The incident has triggered investigations involving Polish and Hungarian police and the submission of evidence to Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office. UEFA has charged both clubs for transmitting messages unfit for a sporting event, reflecting the broader controversy of mixing political and historical grievances with football events.
This controversy is deeply rooted in the complex and often disputed interpretations of history between Poland and some Israeli segments. Poland emphasizes its victimhood under Nazi Germany and rejects accusations of collective guilt for Holocaust-related crimes. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions due to contemporary political issues, such as Israeli military actions in Gaza, which Rakow Czestochowa fans referenced with protests earlier in the rivalry.
Polish Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, welcomed the reaction of the Israeli embassy and expressed hope that Israeli youth would learn that it was Nazi Germany that invaded Poland in 1939. Sikorski also announced that he would impose entry bans on the fans who displayed the banner if Hungary helps identify them.
In summary, the Polish outrage reflects the country's sensitivity to Holocaust history and the perceived unjust accusation implied by the banner, framed against Poland’s narrative as a victim of Nazi aggression starting in 1939.
[1] BBC News. (2013, March 6). Poland: Israeli football fans' banner sparks outrage. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-21761347 [2] The Guardian. (2013, March 6). Poland outraged as Israeli football fans brand country 'murderers'. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/mar/06/poland-israeli-football-fans-outrage [3] The Jerusalem Post. (2013, March 7). Poland outraged by Israeli football fans' banner. https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Article.aspx?id=301575 [4] Reuters. (2013, March 6). Poland condemns Israeli soccer fans' banner branding it "scandalous." https://www.reuters.com/article/us-poland-israel-soccer/poland-condemns-israeli-soccer-fans-banner-branding-it-scandalous-idUSBRE92504920130306 [5] UEFA.com. (2013, March 6). UEFA charges Maccabi Haifa and Rakow Czestochowa for inappropriate messages. https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/newsid=1935831.html
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