Hungarian Fans Attacked in Zabrze: First Arrests Made After Pizzeria Siege

On Wednesday evening, masked hooligans attacked Ferencvaros fans at a Zabrze pizzeria, leading to two arrests, property destruction, and international condemnation from Hungary.

Pizzeria Attack and Barricade

On Wednesday evening, a group of several dozen masked hooligans attacked fans of Ferencvaros Budapest who were at a pizzeria on Wolnoszczy Street in Zabrze. They were not the only guests in the establishment. The pseudo-fans pelted the venue with various items and sought confrontation with the Hungarians inside, who had arrived for a match against Gornik Zabrze. The visitors barricaded themselves inside the restaurant while the attackers demolished the venue, including smashing window glass. Losses were initially estimated at 20,000 PLN.

Police Arrests and Charges

According to police in Zabrze, the residents of Rydułtowy detained by officers are linked to the Gornik Zabrze pseudo-fan environment, specifically the so-called “Młoda Torcida.” Police state that both men participated in Wednesday’s incidents and are now suspected of exposing other persons to the immediate danger of loss of life and health as well as property destruction. The men were brought to the prosecutor’s office with a motion to apply a preventive measure in the form of temporary detention. Police continue operations in the case and do not rule out further arrests, noted the Zabrze headquarters.

Injuries and Lack of Complaints

During the attack on the pizzeria, one Hungarian citizen was injured while attempting to flee the premises, sustaining a leg injury after jumping over a fence. Police reported that none of the 10 interrogated Hungarians filed a notification about the possibility of a crime.

Hungarian Diplomatic Reaction

Hungarian Foreign Ministry head Anita Orban addressed the incidents in Zabrze, stating on Facebook that the attack on the Ferencvaros fan group is “shocking and unacceptable.” She added that she discussed the matter by phone with the Hungarian Consul General in Krakow.

Match Outcome and Tournament Fate

Gornik Zabrze drew 1:1 with Ferencvaros. The Zabrze team was worse in the double-header, has no further chances for the Europa League, and will play in the fourth round of the Conference League qualifiers against AS Monaco.