First thing to become aware of when following a Polish football team, is the intricate network of alliances and feuds. As a supporter of Śląsk Wrocław, it de facto means that I am a supporter of Lechia Gdansk and Wisła Kraków (among others, most notably Motor Lublin and Miedż Legnica).
These three teams form Trzej Królowie Wielkich Miast (TKWM) or Three kings of Great Cities, the common name for the alliance between the clubs, and very often representatives of these teams can be seen at each other's matches. Wearing scarves and shirts for one of these teams at a Śląsk match is completely acceptable (and vice versa happens at Wisła and Lechia matches) and often fans are cheering the names and celebrating the success of other members in TKWM.
On the other side of the coin is Wielka Triada, Lech Poznań, Arka Gdynia and Cracovia. These three teams are the sworn enemies of TKWM and any time one of these teams meets each other the atmosphere is beyond hostile and just down right dangerous. Football ultras from TKWM and Wielka Triada mutually support each other in fighting the others. In 2003, supported by their allies, ultras from Śląsk Wrocław and Arka Gdynia fought street battles in Wrocław during their match and one fan from Arka Gdynia unfortunately lost his life.
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