AUSSIE Darcy Ward received a hostile reception from the fans of Polish side Zielona Gora when he made his debut at the weekend.

The 23-year-old, who raced for the first time for the Swindon Robins last week, was greeted by banners from a section of the crowd that read “Darcy - No mercy” and “Ward - you’ll never be one of us”.

During the presentation of the riders and the races including the Aussie, the fans let him know their displeasure as they whistled and booed.

The anger stems from an incident in 2009 when Ward, along with current Poole Pirates rider Chris Holder, reportedly trampled on a yellow, white and green scarf of Zielona Gora, whilst riding for Torun in the Ekstraliga play-off final.

However, the young rider put that behind him as he secured a paid 15 points in his opening meeting to help his side to a 50-40 victory over Wroclaw.

“I came to this club to have a good season,” Ward told the local Polish media.

“It’s a good move for me, good for the club. I am excited that I am part of this team.

“Some fans do not like me but it’s their choice. I hope this will change, but if not, it is not for me - this problem should be addressed.

“I am glad that I can go there and help in winning. That is why I’m here.”

Director of sport, Jacek Fratczak, said that he was anticipating a hostile reaction but says that Ward’s sole responsibility is to get points for the team.

“Everyone is entitled to their emotions and articulating them in a way they like,” he said.

“He realises that that story does not bring glory to him and about this there is no doubt.

“You have to behave professionally - now we are one team.

“This does not change the fact that now we are one team, and the role of Ward is to earn points.”

Ward's Polish outfit Zielona Gora look likely to be fined for the incident, with the meeting broadcast live on television.