Due to repeated excesses of violence in the fan scene, all games in the Greek football championship will take place behind closed doors until February 12, 2024.
The Greek government announced this on Monday (December 11, 2023). A police officer was recently hit by a flare during a volleyball game and was seriously injured; his condition is still critical.
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. It was said that the measure of excluding fans for the time being was intended to de-escalate. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that the Europa League game between Olympiacos Piraeus and Serbian club Backa Topola on Thursday (9 p.m.) would also take place without fans.
Controls should be improved
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.
An 18-year-old was arrested on Sunday in connection with the police officer who was seriously injured in the volleyball game. The judiciary is investigating the teenager for an “attempted homicide”.