Stanes, I am very pleased that you got a warm welcome following England in Poland in the 90's. I have seen quite a few Polish international matches and the atmosphere at the matches is quite intense but very warm, and cultural to the away teams. I have seen a few of England's matches which include last years 1-1 draw at the National Stadium (the "swimming pool" experience) as well as the England 1-2 victory in Chorzow (Katowice) in 2004. These were good humoured sporting events. However, the 1-1 draw in Chorzow in May 1993 was a rather violent affair. Where you there? I recall that then the Polish fans sat in sectors by local club loyalties and wore their locals team colours (this is how the tickets were sold). This resulted in interclub violence similar to the worst examples seen in the UK during the 1970's. When this interclub fighting was put under control they all united to throw missiles at the England fans who were cordoned off in one sector and were totally innocent and well behaved. This was stopped by the massed ranks of the Police who then became the targets. All of this was the pre-match entertaiment! You can find some horrific videos of this on You tube. The rest of the game was rather tame after that and was a 1-1 draw with a very late Ian Wright goal. I do not want you to get the wrong impression as matches are now safe, cultural and often played in many world class stadiums (eg Euro 2012). However this change in "the culture" of football support from the Chorzow '93 incident to now is probably a fair reflection of the general transformation in Poland during those 20 years. Long may it continue!
May I say, Staines at work cuts a smooth, smart and sophisticated figure...very dashing!! Very different to the Staines we see down the pub. After a red-eye from Washington this morning, what a shock it was to be tapped on the shoulder at baggage retrieval by this official looking man...It was Staines...what a small world. I had been sat in the meeting last Saturday morning USA time, (3pm to you)..."watching" the match through this forum. My colleagues had watched me glued to my computer, obviously not working...not sure they believed you were all "real" people I was conversing with...what a surprise this morning to meet Staines...a real person after all!!!!!
I'll be honest mate I was being a little bit sarcastic with the 'warm welcome' comment, but only in jest I promise . I visited Poland 3 times for football with England (Katowice, Poznan, Warsaw) in the 90's and each time it was non stop trouble. We were no angels for sure but wow, those Polish lads are something else. Last time in Warsaw the Polish police thought it was a good idea to look after us in the cells overnight after the bar we were drinking got attacked. The next day was the infamous 'Battle of Saski Park', which TBH got well out of hand. I remember on one visit, it all kicking off between the rival Polish fans. We thought at first it was stewards dishing out a kicking but turned out it was the Poznan fans turning their jackets inside out, and the linings being bright orange, so they recognised who was who. Pure madness Heard its got better over there recently and for sure, I know it's not the same sort of support going with England nowadays.
I did laugh Beth . A small world indeed. I did rush back from the errand I was on but sadly you had got your bags and left. Hope all went ok and they turned up. Any problems let me know
No probs at all...my luggage was near on first off...I know you arranged that specifically for me... Thank you Staines!!!
Many thanks for the very warm welcome to site. I look forward to interacting with you in this virtual world. Have a great day and COYR's! Cheers!
