Wisła Kraków has issued a statement, threatening to boycott the Polish Cup final if a ban preventing their fans from attending remains in effect. Club President Jarosław Królewski made the announcement following Wisla’s triumphant 2-1 victory against Piast Gliwice, which secured their spot in the final.
This celebration, however, was marred by a pending ban stemming from last season’s incident where Wisla fans threw flares onto the pitch during a cup game, resulting in a three-match ban for away supporters.
With the final set in Warsaw against Pogoń Szczecin, Wisła finds itself in a predicament, having played five home games without serving any part of the ban.
“If Wisła Kraków fans are not allowed into the National Stadium, Wisła Kraków will forfeit the match. No one employed by the club will show up for the match that day,” Królewski posted on X.
He suggested alternative venues for the match if safety concerns prevent the final from being held in Warsaw.
The tension escalated with the emergence of a threatening banner outside the National Stadium, hinting at violence if the final proceeds without Wisła supporters.
In response, Polish Football Association (PZPN) President Cezary Kulesza expressed a willingness to consider Wisla’s situation, provided they follow formal procedures.
“Wisła Kraków can count on openness from the PZPN,” Kulesza stated, emphasizing the need for an official appeal.
Wisła has since appealed to the PZPN, seeking a suspension of the fan ban. The club insists on the importance of their fans’ presence, challenging the frequent use of “security concerns” as a reason to exclude them from away games.
With the final set in Warsaw against Pogoń Szczecin, Wisła finds itself in a predicament, having played five home games without serving any part of the ban.
“If Wisła Kraków fans are not allowed into the National Stadium, Wisła Kraków will forfeit the match. No one employed by the club will show up for the match that day,” Królewski posted on X.
He suggested alternative venues for the match if safety concerns prevent the final from being held in Warsaw.
The tension escalated with the emergence of a threatening banner outside the National Stadium, hinting at violence if the final proceeds without Wisła supporters.
In response, Polish Football Association (PZPN) President Cezary Kulesza expressed a willingness to consider Wisla’s situation, provided they follow formal procedures.
“Wisła Kraków can count on openness from the PZPN,” Kulesza stated, emphasizing the need for an official appeal.
Wisła has since appealed to the PZPN, seeking a suspension of the fan ban. The club insists on the importance of their fans’ presence, challenging the frequent use of “security concerns” as a reason to exclude them from away games.
Source: Reuters
