Legia Warsaw’s game at AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League has repercussions at the highest political level after riots and two arrests. After two visiting professionals were said to have been taken into custody, Poland’s head of government intervened. “Very worrying reports from Alkmaar. I have instructed the Polish Foreign Ministry to take urgent diplomatic steps to verify the night’s events. Polish players and fans must be treated in accordance with the law,” wrote Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Friday on the X platform, formerly Twitter.
The Polish broadcaster TVP Sport reported that the two visiting professionals Radovan Pankov and Josue Pesqueira were arrested by the police. In addition, Legias club president and owner Dariusz Mioduski is said to have been hit in the face by a shield. Alkmaar won the game 1-0.
“We’re worried”
“The prime minister informed me that he has asked our diplomatic services to urgently clarify this matter,” said government spokesman Piotr Müller. “At first glance, there are very serious doubts about the legality of the intervention of the Dutch services and the way in which this intervention was carried out.” It “does not look like a proper intervention and that worries us.”
Police officers take Legia professional Radovan Pankov away. : Image: picture alliance / NurPhoto
According to the Polish media report, it was unclear whether Pankov and Pesqueira would be able to travel back to Warsaw this Friday. But one thing is certain: an unprecedented story has happened in Alkmaar, which will have further consequences, according to the report on the TVP homepage. It was not initially clear why the two professionals were said to have been arrested. It started with the team not being allowed to leave the stadium. The team bus was blocked by police officers and prevented from leaving.
A police spokesman confirmed on Dutch radio on Friday that one of those arrested was a 28-year-old man from Serbia, the second was 33 years old and came from Portugal. The police did not say whether they were Legia players, but the age and origin information would apply to Pankov and Pesqueira. Photos also show both players being led away surrounded by police officers.
Massive violence against police
As the Dutch news agency ANP reported, citing a police spokesman, there were two arrests after the end of the game. The police were unable to provide any details. However, according to the police, there were serious disturbances at the entrance to the stadium before the game even started.
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Supporters of Legia Warsaw stormed the entrance gate and used massive violence against stewards and the riot police. One officer was knocked unconscious. Tear gas was used to protect their own safety and that of the stewards. Legia supporters also managed to take a number of batons and pepper spray from the police. A number of fans entered the stadium without tickets and without controls.
