Source : Soccerway.com + Press
Violence mars Polish Cup finale
Legia Warsaw fans clashed with police and damaged the stadium after their side won the Polish Cup on Tuesday.
Masked hooligans invaded the pitch following Legia's penalty shootout victory against Lech Poznan, smashing barriers, tearing off seats and assaulting photographers.
Police were forced to deploy water cannons and fire rubber bullets to control the situation.
The incident is embarrassing for the Polish Football Association with the country due to co-host the European Championships with Ukraine next year.
UEFA has already criticized Poland over hooliganism, following violence during their international friendly against Lithuania in March.
The Polish government has announced new legislation to tackle football violence similar to the laws implemented by Germany before the 2006 World Cup.
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Fans barred from two league matches following rioting in Euro 2012 host Poland - 05/05/2011
Source : The Canadian Press
Fans will be barred from two upcoming league matches in Poland in a show of determination by the authorities to fight stadium rioting in the Euro 2012 host country.
Warsaw province governor Jacek Kozlowski announced on Thursday that Legia Warsaw's home game against Korona Kielce on Friday will be played in an empty stadium.
Poznan province governor Piotr Florek has barred fans from Lech Poznan vs. Gornik Zabrze on Saturday.
Their decisions come two days after hooligans caused 40,000 zlotys ($13,000) in damage following Legia's win over Lech Poznan in a Polish Cup match at a stadium in Bydgoszcz. No arrests were made.
The rioting has raised questions about security in the country ahead of Euro 2012, which Poland will co-host with Ukraine.
In response, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for stricter measures from city and football authorities to prevent such disturbances.
"Measures used so far have proven themselves inefficient," Tusk told a news conference Thursday. "The modern stadiums we are building are not meant to witness Medieval-era kind of behaviour."
Tusk called on prosecutors to take strong action against those breaking the law and warned of extended bans on stadiums with repeated cases of violence.
Kozlowski said he was aware his decision hurt the true fans, but he could see no other way of enforcing proper behaviour.
"This is our joint responsibility," Kozlowski told a news conference. "It is high time that the governor used his power. I have the courage to take such decision."
