Kluczevia furious after Polish Cup loss to Pogoń Siedlce

Kluczevia Stargard have publicly condemned the officiating from their Polish Cup first-round defeat to Pogoń Siedlce, claiming the match was shaped by serious refereeing mistakes and unacceptable behaviour from members of the referee team.

Defeat followed by a fierce response

The third-tier side lost 3-2 after extra time against first-division opponents Pogoń Siedlce in Stargard. While the result itself did not rank among the biggest shocks of the round, the aftermath quickly became one of the most contentious stories from the competition.

Kluczevia started well and took the lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Pogoń later equalised, but the home side went back in front despite having Marcin Gawron sent off in the 70th minute after receiving a second yellow card. Pogoń then forced extra time with a late equaliser before scoring the decisive goal in the 120th minute.

A day later, Kluczevia issued a lengthy statement in which club officials said they could not stay silent out of respect for supporters, sponsors, players and staff. Their central argument was clear: they believe the outcome was distorted by the referee’s decisions.

Two flashpoints at the centre of the protest

The club’s strongest objections concern two moments. The first is the dismissal of Gawron. According to Kluczevia, the second booking should never have been shown, and the club argued that no foul was visible on the available footage.

The second and even more explosive complaint relates to the winning goal in the final minute of extra time. Kluczevia say their goalkeeper, Przemysław Matłoka, was fouled inside the penalty area before the ball went in. In their statement, the club alleged that Matłoka was struck with an elbow and illegally impeded, insisting that replays and photographs support their position.

The language used by the club left little room for ambiguity. Kluczevia said they felt they had been “robbed” of a chance to progress, as well as of the financial reward and sporting dream that would have come with an upset.

Further allegations over assistant referees

Kluczevia’s statement did not stop with criticism of the main referee, Dorian Skwara. The club also accused the assistant referees of inappropriate conduct during the game.

According to Kluczevia, one of the linesmen directed abusive language at the children serving as ball assistants. The club described that alleged behaviour as scandalous and unacceptable, broadening the controversy beyond disputed decisions on the pitch.

That accusation adds another layer to a case that is already sensitive because it touches not only on officiating standards, but also on basic conduct around a cup tie involving a lower-league host.

What it means for both clubs

For Kluczevia, the defeat ends their involvement in the Polish Cup and leaves them with only league commitments. They are currently fourth in group two of the third tier, with 13 points from six matches, five behind leaders Polonia Środa Wielkopolska.

Pogoń Siedlce, meanwhile, move on in the cup and sit eighth in the first division. They have collected eight points from six league games, five fewer than leaders Miedź Legnica.

But the football itself has been overshadowed. Instead of discussion about a hard-fought cup tie between clubs from different levels of the pyramid, attention has shifted to Kluczevia’s extraordinary public criticism of the officials and the questions it has raised about how the match was handled.