Polish goalkeeper beaten by rival fans and threatened with machetes outside family home - report
Kewin Komar of Puszcza Niepolomice
Goalkeeper of Poland's top-flight club Puszcza Niepolomice, Kewin Komar, faces a spell on the sidelines after being attacked by rival fans during a festival on the outskirts of Krakow.
Puszcza Niepolomice were in Ekstraklasa action on Saturday against LKS Lodz as goalkeeper Kewin Komar helped his side to a 2-1 victory - just their second win of the season.
On the same day, the small town hosted a festival organised by the local fire department. According to a report by WP SportoweFakty, a group of Wisla Krakow supporters were allegedly present at the festival and recognised Komar.
After approaching the goalkeeper, the group threatened him before launching a physical attack. According to witnesses, the attackers revealed this was revenge for last season's play-off game.
The match in question took place in the Polish second-tier towards the end of last season, as Puszcza outclassed Wisla Krakow 4-1 in a promotion play-off semi-final. During the match Komar bagged two remarkable assists.
Soon after, Komar found himself in A&E where he bumped into one of the attackers. During his stay at the medical facility in Bochnia, he was informed that those same attackers threatened to find him if he reported the incident to the authorities. Komar went on to tell doctors that his hand injury - which he sustained during the attack - came after punching a wall.
WP SportoweFakty goes on to report that the 20-year-old returned to his home only to find a dozen individuals with machetes waiting for his arrival. The player went on to call the police.
According to RMF FM, Komar's hand was hurt in the attack and won't take part in the next round of fixtures.
Clubs respond to allegations
"At the same time, we would like to inform you that the player, Kewin Komar, received full support and was surrounded by medical and legal care. We are carefully analysing the whole incident. The police and lawyers of the club are currently dealing with the case."
While it has not been confirmed whether the attackers were in fact Wisla Krakow supporters, the club also issued a statement where it expressed its "firm opposition to any acts of aggression, violence or hatred, as well as any form of violation of bodily integrity".
The club added: "Wisla Krakow promotes compliance with the norms and values that must accompany not only footballers and activists, but also the entire community gathered around the club, as evidenced by numerous activities in recent years.
