Ferencváros fans were attacked in Poland on Wednesday evening ahead of the Hungarian champions’ Europa League qualifier against Górnik Zabrze. A large group of masked attackers targeted a restaurant in the centre of Zabrze where Hungarian supporters were staying, leaving one Hungarian man with a broken leg. Police are working to identify those involved.

The incident took place on Wednesday, 12 August, just one day before Ferencváros were due to face Górnik Zabrze in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie.

A group associated with Górnik Zabrze supporters attacked Ferencváros fans at a pizzeria in the Polish city. The Hungarian supporters barricaded themselves inside after the attackers began throwing objects at the building and smashing its windows.

Up to 100 masked attackers reported in Zabrze

Polish broadcaster TVN24, which spoke directly to Zabrze police spokesman Sebastian Bijok, reported that police received the first call about the incident at 9.27 pm on Wednesday.

There were around a dozen people inside the restaurant, including Hungarian and Slovak nationals. Police said the attackers were masked, while some were wearing colours associated with Torcida, the best-known organised Górnik Zabrze supporter group, and were reportedly shouting slogans connected to the Polish club.

Initial witness accounts put the number of attackers at between 50 and 100, although police stressed that the figure remained uncertain and would have to be checked against CCTV footage. Officers from the local police force and a public-order unit from Katowice were sent to the scene, but the attackers dispersed before police arrived.

Police also found empty containers from handheld gas sprays that had apparently been used during the confrontation, TVN24 reported. The restaurant itself suffered substantial damage.

If you missed it: Ferencváros narrowly beaten by Real Madrid in Budapest

Hungarian supporter suffers broken leg

One Hungarian man was injured during the incident. According to the account given to Polish police, he attempted to escape by jumping over a fence but landed badly and broke his leg. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital.

TVN24 reported that ten Hungarian nationals were questioned, but none had filed a formal criminal complaint at the time of the broadcaster’s report. No suspects had been detained, although police said they were analysing surveillance footage and working to establish the identities of those responsible.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán condemned the violence, according to Telex. She said Hungary’s Consulate General was maintaining continuous contact with the Zabrze police and both football clubs. She also said people suspected of involvement had been subjected to identity checks. Hungary’s official government website confirms Orbán as the country’s current foreign minister.

Ferencváros take a 1–0 advantage into the return leg

The attack comes just hours before an important European fixture for Hungary’s most successful football club.

According to UEFA, Górnik Zabrze and Ferencváros meet on Thursday, 13 August, in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. Ferencváros hold a one-goal advantage after winning the first leg 1–0 in Budapest.

The Hungarian club’s official match report said Marius Corbu scored the only goal of the first encounter, giving Ferencváros the advantage ahead of the trip to Poland.

Górnik Zabrze’s official website likewise confirmed that the return match is scheduled for 7 pm local time at Arena Zabrze.

Telex reported that buses organised by Ferencváros for travelling supporters were expected to arrive at the stadium at around 5 pm on Thursday, where Hungary’s consul-general was due to meet them.

The investigation into Wednesday night’s violence is continuing. As of Thursday morning, Polish police had announced no arrests, while officers were examining CCTV footage in an effort to identify the masked attackers.

What’s next? These were the most-watched FIFA World Cup matches in Hungary