The Polish Football Association (PZPN) said on Wednesday the decision followed what it called "outrageous and dangerous" incidents during Poland’s qualifier against the Netherlands on November 14 at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
Play was halted in the 58th minute after about a dozen flares were thrown onto the field from behind Poland’s goal, where members of the To My Polacy (We the Poles) supporters’ group were seated.
The federation said the incident posed “a direct threat to the health and life of participants” at the match.
PZPN deputy head Adam Kaźmierczak informed the group of the decision during a meeting on Tuesday, the federation said.
The supporters said they used flares in protest after being barred from bringing certain fan memorabilia into the stadium, calling the decision "baffling" in social media posts, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The PZPN said the incident risked the temporary closure of the National Stadium ahead of Poland’s World Cup playoff against Albania.
World football’s governing body FIFA later fined the Polish federation 40,500 Swiss francs over the incident.
“Every match of the Polish national team should be a celebration of football and a safe, friendly space for everyone,” Kaźmierczak said.
He added that the use of flares carries “an enormous risk” and threatens both security and Poland’s ability to host matches.
“The national team deserves support that unites, not divides,” he said.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP