We just returned home from the second Lech Poznan match of the season. I don’t know what’s with the hard-core fans. Our club usually has boosters in the end zone in constant motion and making noise that can be heard across town. They’re so well know for it, (and may have been the first to have things so well choreographed) that football fans in other countries refer to it as “doing the Poznan” when they have the whole stadium singing and chanting.
Last season, there was hooliganism (on both sides) when Lech Poznan played for the Polish championship. The government decided that the fans of both teams would be locked out of their next home match. The night of the lockout, the most dedicated fans were outside the stadium, singing, beating on the bass drum. We heard them on the TV as we watched the match at home. It was so loud that I thought they were piping in a recording.
Ever since that night, the fans in the end zone have worn black to the matches rather than the team color, and they sit quietly and watch. At the 70 minute mark they came to life during the first match of this season. Tonight, there was nothing.
The rest of the stadium is trying to make up for it. Even the small section in the corner reserved for children and youth groups gets some chatter going to borrow a baseball phrase. I don’t know why the black clad, professional pouters keep coming to the games. I, for one, am getting tired of it. Show some spirit or stay home.
Fantastic match tonight, by the way; creamed ’em, 4 – 1.
An accountant by trade and a food blogger since 2009, Lois Britton fell in love with Polish cuisine during the years she lived in Poznań, Poland. As the creator of PolishHousewife.com, she loves connecting readers with traditional Polish recipes. Lois has a graduate certificate in Food Writing and Photography from the University of South Florida. She is the author of The Polish Housewife Cookbook, available on Amazon and on her website.
Melinda
Is the team winning? If so, the diehard fans' lack of support is especially hard to understand… I mean, I GET being irked about the lockout, but really…it wasn't the TEAM'S fault!
Lois B
I know! Why punish the team? They won last night with three goals in the second half, coming one right after the other. It was very exciting! Some of their other games have been lack luster, but that's never stopped these folks before; the fans can be a show unto themselves.
Kasia
I thought the government was right about the lockout.
I agree with you – they should stay home if they are not showing spirit.
Have you learned the song: "W gore serca, niech zwycieza Lech"? It is an old one:)
Lois B
Kasia – thanks for the lyrics; usually the best we can do is hum the tune!