Walkover in the Polish Cup. In the background there is a farmers' protest

On March 20, there is a farmers' strike throughout Poland. Most of the country is paralyzed. This even translates into sports. As reported by “Gazeta Wyborcza”, an interesting situation occurred in Bydgoszcz, where a derby match was to take place between Zawisza and Polonia as part of the 1/8 final of the District Polish Cup.

Polonia Bydgoszcz abandoned the match

On March 18, the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Football Association was to receive a letter from Polonia Bydgoszcz informing about the cancellation of this match for safety reasons. At the same time, Polonia made a declaration that the match would be a walkover. A special announcement was also issued on this matter, although, according to “Gazeta Wyborcza”, the main reason why Polonia is withdrawing from the match are the events related to the farmers' protest.

“Taking into account the refusal of the fans of SP ZAWISZA and KP POLONIA to participate in the match of the 1/8th District Polish Cup at the Municipal Stadium. Marshal Józef Piłsudski at ul. Sportowa 2 in Bydgoszcz, and taking into account that both groups of fans intend to gather in front of the gates of the Stadium, the Management Board of the Polonia Bydgoszcz Football Club decided to forfeit the match. This decision is dictated by safety concerns for residents and property located in the immediate vicinity of the Stadium,” the statement read.

The farmers' protest is so important during the derby match that many policemen have to protect the protest activities and cannot show up at the match. Meanwhile, it has long been known that Polonia and Zawisza, or more specifically the fans of these teams, do not like each other.

Safety comes first

Apparently, Polonia decided that since it would not be able to ensure adequate security at the stadium, which is intended to serve both players and ordinary fans, there is no point in risking organizing the match.

The prospect of a derby match – the first in 23 years – was tempting, but common sense was used. The risk of riots really existed.