A violent incident has marred the preparations for the upcoming Conference League match between Rayo Vallecano and Jagiellonia Białystok in Poland. Early Thursday morning, supporters of Rayo Vallecano faced a brutal assault while traveling to the match.
Reports from public television TVP indicate that the attack occurred on the S8 route near the town of Prosienica, where a group of hooded individuals ambushed the buses carrying the fans. Equipped with weapons such as telescopic batons and wooden clubs, the assailants strategically blocked the buses using two vehicles, allowing them to initiate the attack.
Local police were alerted to the situation and promptly dispatched a patrol to the scene. Their swift intervention played a crucial role in preventing the situation from escalating further. Upon arrival, law enforcement found that the attackers had already fled in various directions. They exited the scene through a cut in the fence that provided access to the highway.
Despite the attackers’ escape, the Mazovia police acted decisively, managing to apprehend seven individuals, including a woman, all of whom are residents of Białystok.
Preliminary reports indicate that ten Rayo Vallecano fans sustained injuries during the incident. Three of these individuals required hospitalization for more serious injuries, while the remaining injured supporters received assistance from paramedics at a nearby gas station.
This violent episode is not unprecedented in Polish football culture. A similar incident occurred months earlier when masked supporters of Jagiellonia Białystok attacked fans from the Belgian club Cercle Brugge, highlighting ongoing concerns over fan violence in the country. The upcoming match’s atmosphere has been significantly overshadowed by this alarming event, raising questions about safety measures for both teams and their supporters.
