Nearly 100 Croatian soccer fans have appeared in court in Athens to face charges including murder and membership of a criminal organization. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in deadly fan violence outside AEK Athens’ stadium, which resulted in the cancellation of a Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb and the death of a 29-year-old Greek fan. The court issued blanket charges against all 103 suspects, most of whom are Croatian nationals. The charges also include assault and illegal possession and use of explosive material.
The incident occurred when a group of youths wielding bats and iron bars attacked Greek fans outside the stadium. Amateur video footage captured the chaos as flares and petrol bombs exploded. Ten people were injured, and four remain hospitalized. Following the violence, Greek authorities set up roadblocks and additional border checks to search for more suspects. Six Croatian nationals were arrested as they attempted to flee the country, with five detained while preparing to board a ferry to Italy and the sixth arrested on a bus bound for Albania.
Meanwhile, fears of further violence loomed as Athens club Panathinaikos played Marseille in a Champions League qualifier under strict security measures. Thankfully, no violence was reported during the game, which Panathinaikos won 1-0. However, three people were arrested outside the stadium for attempting to bring in knives and flares.
The vice president of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, condemned the violence that occurred at AEK’s stadium and emphasized that there is no place for such behavior in European football. Greek Public Order Minister Giannis Oikonomou acknowledged the police’s failure to prevent the Croatian supporters’ actions and announced the suspension of seven police officers pending an investigation.
Outside AEK’s Opap Arena, fans gathered to pay tribute to the supporter who lost his life in the violence. AEK has called on UEFA to impose immediate and severe punishment on Dinamo Zagreb, expressing disappointment that the upcoming qualifier will proceed in Zagreb despite the tragic incident.
The Croatian government and Dinamo have both condemned the attacks but defended their actions. The mayors of Athens and Zagreb released a joint statement appealing for calm, stressing the importance of maintaining friendly ties between the two cities and denouncing the senseless violence.
The incident has raised concerns about fan violence and hooliganism in European football. The Greek capital is set to host the UEFA Super Cup between Manchester City and Sevilla next week, putting a spotlight on the need for increased security and measures to prevent similar acts of violence.
In summary, the court appearance of nearly 100 Croatian soccer fans in Athens facing charges including murder and involvement in deadly fan violence has highlighted the issue of hooliganism in European football. The incident outside AEK Athens’ stadium resulted in the cancellation of a Champions League qualifier and the death of a Greek fan. Authorities have made arrests and implemented measures to apprehend additional suspects, emphasizing the need to prevent such acts of violence in the future. The incident has sparked calls for severe punishment and raised concerns ahead of the upcoming UEFA Super Cup in the Greek capital.
