Exhibition game between “Polonia” and “Žalgiris” ended in assault

An exhibition game between “Polonia Wilno” and “Žalgiris” ended in 8:1 win for the Lithuanian team. This season is the first time in years that Polonia plays in First League (advancing from the second), whereas “ Žalgiris” plays in Lithuanian extraleague – “ A lyga.”

Two minutes into the game  Mindaugas Vilius scored a goal for Polonia; after that however “ Žalgiris” took the initiative and despite several well-mounted attacks Polonia did not score more goals. Scottish player Calum Elliot scored five goals for Žalgiris (19, 21, 41, 46 and 63 minutes in), another one was scored by Croatian Tomislav Pek (penalty kick 85 minutes in and another one 88 minutes in), and one 65 minutes in by  Artūras Jeršovas.

After the game the supporters of “Polonia” were attacked by the supporters of Žalgiris, supported by the neo-Nazi skinheads, right outside the stadium gates. The number of assailants is estimated at 12, even though the game was watched by 50 supporters of “Polonia” and around 30 supporters of “Žalgiris.” Despite their faces being covered, it was clear that the perpetrators were supporters of several different Lithuanian teams and neo-Nazi organizations. They charged shouting “Lietuva lietuviams!” (Lithuanian for the Lithuanian), there were also scattered curses and insults directed at the Poles. Despite being outnumbered two to one, “Polonia” supporters managed to retain their banners which they think the attackers wanted to destroy. Police made no arrests.

Source:    http://kurierwilenski.lt/2012/06/06/towarzyski-mecz-%E2%80%9Epolonii-z-%E2%80%9Ezalgirisem-zakonczony-bandycka-napascia/

Tłumaczenie Andrzej Rola w ramach praktyk w Europejskiej Fundacji Praw Człowieka, www.efhr.eu. Translated by Andrzej Rola within the framework of a traineeship programme of the European Foundation of Human Rights, www.efhr.eu.