During the European Council session in Spain, discussions touched on a tense incident involving football team Legia Warszawa and Dutch authorities. A public statement by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, conveyed on social media, highlighted a strong protest against the reported severe conduct of Dutch police toward Legia players and fans. The message also noted assurances from the Dutch side that the matter would be clarified promptly as part of ongoing diplomatic outreach.
The episode unfolded amid a Conference League match in Alkmaar where Legia Warszawa faced AZ Alkmaar and suffered a 0-1 defeat. Tensions rose as fights erupted inside the stadium and several members of the Polish squad faced what was described as a breach of their physical safety. Polish witnesses on the ground reported that access to the team bus became increasingly chaotic after local security and police reportedly decided to close the venue and restrict movement within the stadium area.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the bus, which already contained a substantial portion of the Legia squad, was surrounded as police moved to cordon off the vehicle. At a critical moment, the security operation targeted two players, Josue and Radovan Pankov, with authorities handcuffing the Portuguese captain as turmoil continued. Video footage later circulated showing the sequence as officials conducted orderly, though forceful, procedures near the bus and players. The incident drew immediate attention from Legia leadership, including club owner and chairman Dariusz Mioduski, who found himself involved in the exchanges during the confrontation.
The following morning, Prime Minister Morawiecki stated that he had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue urgent diplomatic measures aimed at verifying the events from the previous night in Alkmaar. In his remarks, the prime minister stressed that Polish players and fans must be treated in line with the law, reinforcing that there is no room for violations of legal protections or due process.
With the two detained players still at the police station, Legia prepared to depart for Warsaw later in the day. The planned flight was scheduled for 10 a.m., and the Polish delegation, including representatives of the club, remained engaged in ongoing talks with Dutch authorities to ensure the players’ safety and legal rights while the investigation proceeded.
Public reactions within Poland amplified the sense of national concern, with calls for measured, lawful responses and assurances that all parties would be treated equitably under Dutch law. The incident prompted a wave of social media discussions and political commentary, as audiences debated both the immediate actions of security forces and the broader implications for diplomatic relations between Poland and the Netherlands.
In the wake of the events, Polish officials referenced the importance of transparent verification processes and emphasized that the state would pursue all necessary channels to obtain a clear account of the circumstances. The government stressed that safeguarding the welfare and rights of athletes and fans remains a priority, while also recognizing the responsibilities of event organizers and security personnel in high-tension environments. These developments underscore how sports events can intersect with international diplomacy, especially when incidents involve cross-border teams and supporters. The situation continues to be followed by national media outlets and foreign press as new details emerge and formal inquiries advance. Attribution: wPolityce source reports and official statements from the Polish government and Legia Warszawa representatives.