Polish Katowice Fans' 'Red Is Bad' Banner Linked to Far-Right Clothing Brand, Not Israeli Team

During a UEFA match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Polish club Katowice on August 12, 2026, Katowice fans displayed a large banner reading "Red Is Bad." Contrary to initial assumptions that it was a jab at Hapoel Tel Aviv's red colors, the phrase actually references a Polish far-right clothing brand named "Red Is Bad." This brand is associated with Polish nationalism and the far-right political movement, which has gained prominence in recent years. The company promotes slogans that are anti-communist and nationalist, sometimes including antisemitic and anti-Muslim messages, reflecting the ideology of some Katowice supporters.

The "Red Is Bad" brand normalizes far-right extremism in Poland by celebrating Polish history and identity from a nationalist perspective. Some of their clothing features slogans such as "Proud of our roots since birth," "Anti-communists," "Defenders of Europe," and "Death to the enemies of the nation." The banner was not intended as a provocation against Hapoel Tel Aviv but rather as an expression of local political identity tied to the club's fan base.

The match took place in Poland following Hapoel Tel Aviv's 2-0 victory in the first leg. The incident highlights the intersection of sports fandom and political symbolism in European football, particularly the rise of far-right groups using football culture to spread their messages.