Legia Warsaw president and owner Dariusz Mioduski says UEFA are working to release two of his players from custody in Alkmaar.
The teams’ Europa Conference League tie, which saw AZ Alkmaar win 1-0, descended into chaos after the final whistle, following reported scuffles with police and security staff.
Two of Legia’s players, Josue and Radovan Pankov, were arrested, whilst the rest of the squad returned to Poland.
According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Josue and Pankov were stopped from returning to the team bus by a security guard and pushed him against a wall, leaving him with a broken elbow and concussion.
Meanwhile, Polish outlet Sport.tv report that president and owner Mioduski was hit during scuffles with security services, while other members of Legia staff were reported to have been struck with batons.
Now, Mioduski, along with spokesman Bartosz Zasławski, has detailed his account of Thursday night’s situation.
“What happened an hour after the match seems unbelievable,” he said. “When I think about it, I have the impression that it was not an incident, the tension was building. Since my arrival, I have heard from many people associated with the club about how we were treated. Attitude local authorities to Poles was disastrous.
“We will not give up. We will do everything to ensure that the truth reaches everyone.”
On the arrest of his two players, he said: “We didn’t have the opportunity to take care of our two players yesterday. Nobody told us where they were taken, I wasn’t allowed to go with them. Today our players are very well taken care of. I hope they will return to Poland today.
“The aggression came from that side. The behaviour of the gentleman who is probably testifying now was so aggressive that we wondered whether he was under the influence of certain drugs.”
Mioduski then explained that he felt that the incidents had been brewing before it came to a head outside the stadium.
He continued: “UEFA is working to ensure that our players are released from custody. I don’t know of any other case where the staff and the team were attacked by security. It’s unimaginable.
“The mayor did not want Legia fans in her city. The fans were forced to collect their tickets in The Hague. It is as if we were ordered to collect tickets for the match in Warsaw in Radom.
“We do not want to postpone Sunday’s match against Raków Częstochowa. So far, there has been no contact with me from the AZ authorities. I had good relations with the club’s management and I would like to keep it that way.”
“I was hit several times. Then, when I wanted to ride with Josue and Pankov, I was brutally pushed away by policemen wearing balaclavas. I would like to thank everyone who works to support us. There is also a lot going on on the official side. We will also give testimony in Poland and conduct the case from our side.
“Our lawyers are working to collect all the materials and we will act to defend our players. The team is shocked. Everyone is worried about their teammates. I think this situation will consolidate us even more. Coach Kosta Runjaić told me that he also felt dislike towards the team and staff.”
“Only the Dutch lawyer we employ has contact with Josue and Pankov.”
Zaslawski also confirmed Josue has already testified, while Pankov is still waiting for his turn.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki condemned the situation at Alkmaar, writing on social media: “Very disturbing messages from Alkmaar. I have urged our Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make diplomatic efforts to verify last night’s events. Polish players and fans must be treated in accordance with the law. The law cannot be broken.”
Meanwhile, an AZ Alkmaar spokesman said: “Our response will follow later. We are in contact with the quadrangle (the club, mayor, police and the Public Prosecution Service).
“Something will definitely come from all of us, but not just one, two, three yet. We want to review the facts first.”