Legia – Celtic 30.07.2014, Celtic fans attacked in Warsaw, lost 2 banners

Celtic fans were attacked before last night’s Champions League qualifier against Legia Warsaw.

At least two incidents are understood to have taken place at a bar in the Polish capital, with at least one Hoops supporter injured. In same day before match Celtic’s supporters lost 2 banners.

On the photo are 2 flags Celtic and one St. Patrick’s (This small flag was stolen two weeks ago when St.Patrick played in Warsaw)

A spokesman for the Parkhead club said there had been a “couple” of incidents, adding: “We are aware of attacks on Celtic supporters and are currently investigating these.”

It was estimated that about 160 Celtic fans travelled to Poland for the game. After many threats by Green Brigade side, its interesting why so low number of away supporters came to Warsaw.

There are different opinions since little banner “Green Brigade” appeared in away sector. Some of Celtic fans say as a reason the 6 days notice, expensive travels and repressions.

Polish football has a recent history of crowd trouble and controversy.

A match between Legia Warsaw and rivals Jagiellonia Białystok earlier this year descended into a battle between Ultra fans, which caused the match to be abandoned when rival groups tried to rip down the fences separating them.

Legia ultras were reported to have stolen their opponents’ banner at a previous encounter, sparking angry scenes.

In August last year, Legia fans were found guilty of racist behaviour during a match against Welsh side The New Saints. UEFA fined the club £25,700 and they were hit with a partial stadium closure.

Their Ultras protested against the sanctions by lighting a massive fireworks display across one end of their stadium shortly after.

And three years ago, fans of Polish side Slask Wroclaw were involved in violence and disorder following a Europa League qualifier against Dundee United. Three Polish supporters were arrested before the game in Dundee.

In 2009, 11 police officers in Belfast were injured by Poland supporters before and during a game against Northern Ireland.

Last November, an Amsterdam pub full of Celtic fans came under attack by local hooligans the night before a match against Ajax, with nine Dutch supporters arrested.

The following day, there were clashes between police and rival fans in Amsterdam city centre – 28 Celtic supporters were arrested and five were later convicted of violent offences. The five are appealing their convictions.

• Video from Legia supporters in match against Celtic, great atmosphere!

Photo source: legionisci.com