As FSE Fans' Embassy Division, we noted that there have been unsavory incidents to date during Euro 2012, mainly occuring in Poland, and mainly confined to small groups.
Some Polish people were mobilising for counter-action after Russian fans had been involved in violent clashes with volunteer stewards after the Czech game on Saturday. On top of that, there was an official and approved march taking place by the Russians for their independence day across the river Vistula leading up to the game. This seems to have exacerbated the situation in connection with the emotional historical aspect interlinked with the symbolic encounter of the two countries at this football match.
We observed several small groups of violent fans gathering throughout the match day in Warsaw and they seemed intent on causing violent clashes in the city, mainly towards Russian fans, especially near the march.
The FSE clearly and expressly condemns all incidents of targeted attacks and violence that happened in Warsaw on Tuesday. We hope that appropriate action can be taken so that the perpetrators guilty of such actions can be isolated without further disturbing the otherwise overtly festive and peaceful tournament experience here in Poland and that they will stop further doing their own country a bad turn. Because they shall not be confused or put in one box with the vast majority of peaceful Polish fans we witnessed at this tournament so far. This majority of Polish people in general has been incredibly friendly and welcoming to the thousands of football fans and visitors to their country.
We fear that thanks to these events, security measures might be increased to a much higher level, leading to restrictions of the match day experience of a majority for the actions of a minorty. This is certainly not what the fans want or need – they need welcoming and hospitable conditions where safety of all citizens is paramount.
We hope that a strong statement from all the stakeholders today may help to calm things down in this way, in order that the otherwise wonderfully organised tournament can continue in peace.
This will be a fitting way to go considering the effort and hard work most of the Polish people have put in to stage this prestigious event.
As Football Supporters Europe, we're hereby doing our part and are calling for all supporters at this tournament to speak up against such events within their means and whilst considering their own safety, to help to prevent such incidents from happening again and thereby avoiding a damage to the image of all supporters at this tournament.
With our project RESPECT Fan Culture, we'll do the utmost to support our fellow supporters in their actions on this at the Fans' Embassies and beyond, where requested and required.
