Police chief sacked after Polish-Mexican beach brawl

Police handout. Photo: PAP/Policja

Deputy police chief Marcin Potyrkus had been in charge of security operations in the city connected with Sunday's match between Ruch Chorzow and local side Arka Gdynia.

“Following an initial analysis of the situation, the commander-in-chief of police has negatively assessed the handling of security [in Gdynia],” said Marek Sokolowski, press spokesman for the National Police Headquarters in Warsaw.

“Despite the presence of a large police force, patrols were not directed to the beach,” he added.

Two Ruch Chorzow fans have been been charged with assault, and prosecutors have indicated that others may also be charged.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called a special meeting for today concerning football hooliganism.

The meeting will be attended Minister of Justice Marek Biernacki and Minister of the Interior Bartlomiej Sienkiewicz.

“We will find ways, if necessary, to make rapid changes to the law, and there will certainly be rapid changes in procedures, so that those who are detained for taking part in a fight, and for violence against other people, will end up in prison,” Tusk warned.

Although the official Ruch Chorzow fan club has protested that its members were not responsible for starting the brawl, regional prosecutor Michal Niesiolowski stated otherwise.

President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto has expressed support for the Mexican sailors,
speaking of “Sunday's regrettable events”, the Spanish news agency EFE reports.

The president's comments follow the Polish ambassador in Mexico being summoned to the country's foreign ministry to explain the incident. (nh/pg)

source: PAP