Death of Polish Motorcycle Speedway Fan Sparks Violence
 |
October 3, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Violence broke out in Poland on Monday morning after a speedway fan was fatally hit by an unmarked police car.
A polish motorcycle speedway fan was killed after he was run over by an unmarked police car, setting off an attack on officers.
Celebrations dissolved into violence after the local motorcycle speedway club Stelmet Falubaz defeated rivals Unia Leszno in the National Championships yesterday, when fans attacked police following an earlier incident which resulted in a man’s death.
Fans threw rocks, broke shop windows, wrecked police cars and demolished a fuel station amongst the riots which broke out this morning in Zielona Gora, western Poland.
Two police officers were reportedly injured in the incident; one suffering from a cracked skull after a blow to the head and another had their jaw broken after being kicked in the face.
This morning’s violence also comes as a setback to Poland after recent attempts to reduce the amount of sports-related violence ahead of the country co-hosting the Euro 2012 football championship.
Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, spoke of the incident: “The most important thing now is to ensure the stability of the state.”
Despite fears that the incident may affect the outcome of next week’s elections, the prime minister is said to have left his campaign trail to consult with police and security officials over the incident in Warsaw.
Whilst in a move to show his solidarity to the injured police officers, the prime minister has also planned to visit the family of the man who was killed to express his condolences over the incident and voice his belief in the police force.
Prosecutor Alfred Staszak has confirmed that nine people have been arrested in connection with the riots this morning.
By Laura Beard
[Image courtesy of Lukas Klose]
