Polish supporters in Kaunas on 12 October hurled slurs at former Prime‑Minister Donald Tusk during the World‑Cup qualifiers against Lithuania, prompting Sports Minister Jakub Rutnicki to demand that stadiums stay apolitical.
Fans launch insults at Donald Tusk in Kaunas
At the 12 October match between Poland and Lithuania in Kaunas, a group of Polish supporters shouted “Donald, idiot, your government will be toppled by fans” and “Donald, you’re not, were not, will not be a supporter of the Polish national team.” They also displayed a banner featuring a caricature of Tusk.
The former Prime Minister, who sat in the stands, was the target of these provocations.
Minister Jakub Rutnicki calls for apolitical stadiums
In a statement to Gazeta.pl, Sports Minister Jakub Rutnicki said, “Stadiums should be far from politics. We must focus on supporting the national team.”
He praised Poland’s 2‑0 victory over Lithuania and said the team should remain the focus of attention, congratulating players as they await the final two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
PiS officials release video and criticize Tusk
European Parliament Member Michał Dworczyk posted a video on X where a fan cheers “Welcome, D. Tusk, at the Kaunas match.” He added commentary calling Tusk “out of the country.”
Marcin Przydacz, head of the International Policy Office at the President’s office, stated on TVP‑24 that “Donald Tusk comes from outside Poland and the establishment.”
Minister urges respect for all fans
Rutnicki replied that PiS men should not use such circumstances for political gains. “Stadiums are for everyone. Anyone can be a fan of the Polish national team, regardless of whom they vote for or their views,” he said.
