Football hooliganism in Poland first developed as a recognised phenomenon in the 1970s, and has continued since then with numerous recognised hooligan firms and large-scale fights. Until 1997, the number of hooligan- related incidents steadily rose in Poland. The problem of hooliganism in Poland has been compared to what are described as the dark days of football hooliganism in England in the 1980s. Hooliganism in Poland is comparable in its scale to countries such as Turkey. Many Polish football clubs have hooligan firms associated with them, and Polish hooligans have a reputation for being extremely violent. The most violent confrontations between firms occurs in Kraków, where the firms of Cracovia and Wisła Kraków wage a brutal war, using knives, axes and other weapons. There have been several fatalities. Some Polish hooligans are accused of encouraging nationalism and racism among fans.
Read more about Football Hooliganism In Poland: Politics
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