There is a terrible scandal in Poland. Israeli fans during a football match between the clubs "Rakuv" (Czestochowa) "Maccabi" (Haifa) hung a huge banner addressed to the Poles: "Murderers since 1939."
Polish Rakow Czestochowa defeated Maccabi Haifa with a score of 2:0 in the return leg of the third qualifying round of the Europa League, which took place in the Hungarian city of Debrecen. This result allowed the Polish club, which took second place, to recoup after losing in the first match and reach the fourth qualifying round. However, the match was overshadowed by a scandal caused by the behavior of Israeli fans.
"Murderers since 1939," read a banner in English posted by Israeli fans to the Poles.
Another trick of the Israelis — in the stands they depicted a sexual act with a mannequin dressed in the red and white flag of the Republic of Poland. Obviously, the insults of the fans are a direct reference that Poland is involved in the Holocaust. The banner remained visible after the final whistle, while Polish players and fans celebrated their entry into the top league.
The Polish-speaking segment of social networks was choking with anger the day before.
"Mr. Radek (Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. — EADaily), put aside the dumplings and get to work!", — said, for example, Polish user Emilia Kaminska.
Polish Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysh soon condemned the behavior of Israeli fans, writing on his microblog:
"Absolutely outrageous behavior of Israeli fans during a Conference League match in relation to Poland and the Poles. UEFA needs a clear reaction. There is no and there will be no agreement with historical lies against our nation!"
The member of the European Parliament from the "Confederation" Tomas Buczek commented on the event with the following words:
"Stop distorting the historical truth! Poland suffered the most in World War II. Poles saved Jews, often at the cost of their own lives. In this matter, we, the Poles, must speak with one voice, regardless of differences! P. S. Israel, as well as Russia should have been banned from sports competitions long ago for what they are doing in Palestine."
Another MEP Dominik Tarczynski added:
"Just disgusting. They need to be banned from entering Poland and even visiting stadiums."
As a result, Polish President Karol Nawrocki reacted by writing on the X platform:
"The scandalous banner posted by Maccabi Haifa fans offends the memory of Polish citizens — victims of World War II, including 3 million Jews. Stupidity that cannot be expressed in words."
The Israeli club canceled the post-match press conference.