Riots Follow Football Match
The relationship between Warsaw, Poland's capital, and Krakow, the former capital, has long been a source of jokes to inhabitants of both cities. However, when football is concerned, things often turn nasty: the rivalry between Krakow's 'Wisla' and Warsaw's 'Legia' is amongst the most fierce and longstanding in Polish football. Last weekend, following the defeat of Legia at home in Warsaw, pandemonium ensued when hooligans descended on the capital's Old Town.
Over 200 rioters were arrested in Saturday's clash, the majority of whom are still in detention. The revelers wreaked considerable havoc in the Old Town, a district that is normally the preserve of tourists during the Spring months. Some thirty policeman were injured, and many cafes and shops were damaged.
Many Western newspapers are expressing anxiety about the possible conduct of Polish fans during this year's World Cup over the border in Germany. Whilst Polish authorities have expressed that there is indeed cause for concern, it is unclear in the overall scheme of things whether the Poles pose a greater threat than their English or German peers.
At present, the Polish police is enforcing a crackdown on Polish hooligans, with increasingly heavy fines and protracted prison sentences on the agenda.