Twin football players, Slavek & Slavko, the Euro 2012 mascots
Twin football players, Slavek & Slavko, the Euro 2012 mascots
Decadent moods prevail in Poland a year before Euro 2012, which the country will co-host with neighbors Ukraine.
According to German paper Berliner Zeitung’s survey two-thirds of Poles believe that next summer their country will bring shame on itself in the eyes of Europe and the whole world. The respondents are not only worried by the “pathetic shape” of the Polish national team, but are also seriously concerned by the delays in the construction of stadiums, roads, railway stations and other necessary infrastructure.
Poland is also experiencing serious problems with football violence as a real war with human casualties is raging between the fans of different teams and the law enforcement officers.
And the fact that the co – hosts Ukraine is doing no better, or even worse, does not comfort them at all.
The latest incident in Poland occurred on Tuesday when the supporters of Radomiakiem Radom and their city rivals from Bronia clashed with the police after being prevented from watching the game due to a new anti-hooliganism law.
The legislation was introduced last month after the Polish Cup final, during which the fans invaded the pitch, demolishing barriers and attacking police.
Only three percent of the Poles does not see reasons to become concerced in the upcoming 2012 European championship, among them is the head of communications in the Euro 2012 organizing committee, Mikolaj Piotrowski.
According to him, sporting officials together with the Polish government are trying to position football as part of the modern family entertainment culture, and he is sure of their success of the Euro 2012 championship in Poland.
But even Piotrowski says that the organizers may experience serious problems if the Polish team disqualifies from the tournament at the early stages.
Last week, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also admitted that there are security risks in holding friendly matches on the new arenas being built for Euro 2012 and called upon the football officials and club owners to use strong measures to keep hooligans away from stadiums.
