Polish Authorities Concerned Ahead of Hapoel Tel Aviv Match Over Security Risks

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to face Katowice in the Conference League playoffs, returning to European competition after 12 years. The Israeli team advanced by defeating Ludogorets in the previous round and currently holds a 2-0 lead from the first leg played in Miskolc, Hungary. However, Polish media and authorities express concern about the upcoming match scheduled for Thursday, citing fears of potential escalation.

The Polish sports outlet Przegladsportowy reported that "everyone feared this match," highlighting tense football relations between Poland and Israel. The article recalled a previous incident involving Maccabi Haifa and Rakow Czestochowa last season, when some Maccabi fans displayed a provocative banner stating "Murderers since 1939," which heightened security concerns.

Due to these past events and the sensitive nature of matches between Polish and Israeli teams, local hosts in Miskolc, the police, and UEFA have increased security measures, including sending an additional security officer. The Hungarian hosts are particularly wary because of a recent visit by Israeli teams to their city and the historical tensions that sometimes arise during such encounters. The authorities are preparing for the possibility that the rivalry could extend beyond the pitch.