Conviction for assault on Cercle Brugge fan after match with Jagiellonia

The District Court in Białystok has issued a verdict in the high-profile case of the assault on a fan of the Belgian club Cercle Brugge after a football match. The incident occurred on March 6 last year, just after midnight, in the center of Białystok, as a group of fans were returning from the stadium after the UEFA Conference League round of 16 match. The problem of football hooliganism in and around Polish stadiums has a long history. In the 1990s and early 2000s, football-related violence was a common phenomenon in Poland, leading to the introduction of stricter regulations, CCTV surveillance, and inter-service cooperation. Recent decades have brought a significant improvement in safety during the events themselves, but incidents outside sports venues still occur. According to the report received by the police, a BMW car pulled up to the group of Belgian fans, and four masked individuals got out. The attackers assaulted one of the individuals, attempting to forcibly take their club scarf. The case went to the prosecutor's office and then to the court, which, after a trial, issued a decision finding the accused young men guilty. Information from the Polish Press Agency indicates that a decision on the defendants' liability has been made, but this does not yet mean the proceedings are fully closed. It is possible the case may be referred to a higher instance or that appeal procedures are still ongoing. This event impacts the image of Polish fans abroad, especially in the context of international club competitions, where maintaining a good reputation is important for organizing future matches.