One match venue, the city of Gdansk, rejected the group's call for separate seating, saying it would stigmatize gays. Homophobia also remains deeply embedded in Poland because of the legacy of communism - which treated homosexuality as a taboo - and the teachings of the church in the predominantly Roman Catholic country.
Polish soccer matches are often the scene of violent attacks and fights involving hooligans. 'We dream of being able to relax in the stands - we can't imagine not being at the Euro 2012 matches, which will be held in our country!' we unfortunately are often faced with unpleasantness, harassment and violence from the 'real' fans,' it said. It says on its website that its members fear aggression from other fans and want to feel safe during the tournament in Poland and neighbouring Ukraine.ĭuring trips to matches of our beloved clubs. Teczowa Trybuna 2012, or Rainbow Stand 2012, calls itself the first-ever gay fan club for Poland's national team. A group of gay Polish soccer fans has called on the organizers of the 2012 European Championship to set aside separate seating in the stands for gay men and lesbians to protect them from possible aggression.īut other gay rights activists criticized the proposal Wednesday, saying separate seating would only single gay fans out and put them at even greater risk.