Sikorski denounces a disgraceful political banner and vows action against hateful displays
Radosław Sikorski: Diplomacy is not a Football Fanfare
I wish to clarify that diplomacy is not a football rally. The shameful banner was not issued by the State of Israel but by its own voters. I have arranged with Minister Marcin Kierwiński that if Hungary assists us in identifying the offenders, they will be barred entry to Poland, wrote Sikorski. “I also urge us to consider whether our ambassador should be summoned to Tel Aviv each time a fool writes ‘ŁKS Jews,’” added the Deputy Prime Minister.
Reaction of the Israeli Embassy
The incident occurred during Raków Częstochowa’s match against Maccabi Haifa held in Debrecen, Hungary. Israeli fans displayed the banner “Murderers since 1939” in English and desecrated the Polish flag. The Israeli Embassy in Poland called the act repugnant, asserting that no such words or actions belong on a stadium or elsewhere. “These shameful acts do not reflect the spirit of the majority of Israeli supporters,” the embassy posted on X.
Sikorski responded, noting his hope that Israeli youth are taught that in 1939 Hitler’s Germany invaded Poland and began murdering its citizens of all faiths and nationalities.
President Karol Nawrocki’s Comment
President Nawrocki described the Israeli fans’ conduct as folly that cannot be justified by language. He added that the scandalous banner disrespects the memory of Polish citizens who were victims of World War II, including three million Jews. Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz condemned the behavior as absolutely scandalous toward Poland and its people. He stressed that a clear response from the European Union and UEFA is necessary, declaring no tolerance for historical falsification against our nation.
Intervention Planned in UEFA
The president of the Polish Football Association announced that an intervention would be pursued at UEFA in connection with the Israeli fans’ conduct at the Maccabi Haifa–Raków Częstochowa match in Debrecen. He noted that supporters of Maccabi displayed the banner “Murderers since 1939” and desecrated the Polish flag. The association emphasized that provocations and historical falsehoods would be addressed, demanding UEFA to adopt a stance and impose consequences for the scandalous banner and disturbing behavior during the match.
