On Sunday morning, a criminal investigations officer from one of the Lower Silesian garrison police commands, who was cycling competitively, noticed an unusual gathering of young men. – Thanks to his professional experience, he quickly realized that he was dealing with a large group of football hooligans – reports Asp. Paweł Noga from the Wrocław Provincial Police Headquarters.
The officer’s quick and effective reaction enabled police to take action aimed at determining the circumstances of the gathering. Numerous officers were sent to the scene and reached the indicated area within a few minutes. As it turned out, near Mietkowskie Reservoir, some of the hooligans managed to disperse when they saw the approaching police cars.
Spokesperson: – However, after the officers drove beyond the embankment into the wooded area, they saw a group of young men dressed in sportswear who had equipment used in martial arts. This included hand wraps, gloves and mouthguards. It also turned out that they had balaclavas and clothing bearing a logo identifying them as members of one of Wrocław’s football clubs.
The hooligans were in the middle of a sports warm-up. There were 18 vehicles at the scene, carrying a total of 83 people of various ages. The men did not conceal their surprise and, understandably, could not explain their presence in a secluded wooded area right beside the road. Some claimed they had come to fish, others to take a cold-water dip, and still others to pick mushrooms.
Police:
Their presence there was connected with a plan to attack another group of supporters associated with football teams from Wałbrzych and Świdnica. A dozen or so minutes later, they were due to travel to a match scheduled in the Silesian Voivodeship. Hooligans conduct their own reconnaissance, anticipating and identifying the routes taken by other supporter groups. This case was no different. Once again, officers prevented a confrontation between hooligans; the total number of participants in the planned fight was estimated at around 200. As a result, both rival supporter groups were placed under preventive police protection.
And adds:
We appeal to residents of Lower Silesia that, if they notice a similar situation or groups of young men gathering near dirt roads, wooded areas or unusual locations, they should inform the duty officer at the nearest police unit.