Excessive violence in football
Greek government imposes tough measures
December 11, 2023, 3:24 p.m
Due to repeated violent acts by sports fans, all games in the Greek football championship will take place behind closed doors until February 12, 2024. Recently, a police officer was hit by a flare during a volleyball game and was seriously injured.
After repeated serious riots between hooligans and the police, clashes between football fans and threats against referees, the Greek government has decided on drastic measures. From now on and until February 12, 2024, only ghost games will take place in the domestic Superliga. Olympiakos Piraeus’ Europa League game against Serbian club Backa Topola next Thursday will also take place without spectators. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said UEFA had been informed and agreed to this.
According to the government, high-resolution cameras and electronic access systems will also be installed in all stadiums to verify the identity of fans. “For many years, criminals posing as fans have committed serious crimes and caused serious injuries and deaths,” Marinakis said. It was said that the measure of excluding fans for the time being was intended to de-escalate. In addition, football referees went on strike last weekend because they were concerned about their safety. The 14th matchday in Greece’s Super League did not take place.
Greece has been rocked by violence for years
Since the beginning of the year, two fans have died in clashes between rival hooligans. The tough measures also come as a result of a police officer being seriously injured by a flare last Thursday and his life has been in danger ever since. The incident occurred outside a sports hall during a top volleyball match between Olympiacos Piraeus and Panathinaikos Athens. An 18-year-old was arrested and charged with manslaughter, among other things. He is said to have confessed that he fired the flare, Greek radio reported.
Greek sport, especially football, has had a problem with violence for years. The background is also disputes between shipping companies and other entrepreneurs who own the most important teams. The media accuse the team owners of complicity in the riots because they do not have a moderating influence on the supporters. The police also discovered that the rioters had connections with criminal organizations.