Polish ambassador to Mexico summoned after 'attack' on sailors

Mexican ship Cuauatemoc, docked in Gdynia. Photo: PAP/ Pawel Pedziszewski

According to the ministry, 17 Mexican citizens were injured and two were taken to hospital after fighting broke out on the beach in Gdynia on Sunday afternoon.

Several witnesses confirmed the assailants as fans of football side Ruch Chorzow, but there was conflicting evidence on Monday as to who had stated the fighting.

The ministry declared in a statement that it had summoned Ambassador Anna Niewiadomska as it “wants to express the Mexican government's concern about these unfortunate and serious events.”

The ministry has also sent a request to its Polish counterpart, calling on justice to be served to those responsible for the incident.

According to the Mexican ministry, the sailors “were relaxing on the beach when they were attacked by about 300 so-called fans.”

Blame game

Meanwhile, the Regional Prosecutor's office has stated that Poles were responsible for starting the clash.

Prosecutor Michal Niesiolowski dismissed earlier police statements which indicated that it was unclear who initiated thefighting.

“I have personally studied the material in this case, including the surveillance footage,” he told Polish Radio.

“At the current level [of investigation], it has been established that the 'attackers' were Polish citizens, and the 'injured' party were Mexicans.”

However, the Association of Fans of Ruch Chorzow has issued a statement on its official web site saying that “a supporter of Ruch Chorzow came to the defence” of a woman who had suffered “a blow to the face” by a Mexican sailor.

The statement says that the fan was “attacked” by several Mexicans, as a result of which the supporter was stabbed with a knife. After this, the fighting spread.

Two Ruch Chorzow fans are still being held by police. (nh/pg)

source: IAR/PAP