This Tuesday in Greece, AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb were scheduled to face off for qualification for the UEFA Champions League. However a serious incident between fans of both teams ended with dozens of injuriesa deceased and the suspension of the commitment.
Nearly 200 Croats traveled to the Greek capital to witness the match of their team, despite the fact that UEFA would have prohibited the presence of the visiting public. The clash between the two fans left a 29-year-old man dead, 8 more people injured and about 91 detainees; according to the Greek television ERT.
the deceasedwould be a supporterof AEK Athens who received multiple injuries with a sharp object. While among the injured are 4 Croats and 4 Greeks, among which a minor stands out, who received a blow to the head with a stone.
According to the Greek media, the Croatian fans would have set garbage cans and dry branches from the vicinity outside and went to look for the fans of the opposing team. On the other hand, UEFA issued a statement about what happened.
UEFA statement
“UEFA deplores in the strongest terms the appalling incidents that took place in Athens last night which resulted in the loss of life. While we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim, AEK Athens FC and their fans, we would like to reiterate that violence has no place in our sport and we hope that those responsible for this terrible act will be arrested and brought to justice as soon as possible,” reads part of the statement.
On the other hand, UEFA also confirmed the suspension of the match. “After yesterday’s violence and in consultation with local authorities, UEFA has decided that the conditions are not met so that the match between AEK Athens FC and GNK Dinamo will take place tonight”.
He also revealed that the match scheduled for Tuesday, August 15 in Zagreb will be played, although without an audience present, and the new date for the match in Athens is pending, which tentatively could be August 18 or 19.
“In accordance with article 26.01 of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Regulations, the match scheduled for tonight at the Agia Sofia stadium in Athens is postponed. The match GNK Dinamo (CRO) vs. AEK Athens FC (GRE) in Zagreb will be played on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 (20:00 CET) As planned. UEFA is in contact with both clubs to confirm the date of the rescheduled match between AEK Athens FC (GRE) and GNK Dinamo (CRO), that is, Friday 18 August 2023 or Saturday 19 August 2023. It remains the previously communicated decision that there will be no visiting fans for both matches and all the necessary measures will be implemented”, closes the statement issued by UEFA.
Keep reading:
· “He is our most exciting striker”: This is how PSG introduced the attacker to replace Mbappé
· Sporting Lisbon falls in love with fans around the world with a shirt in honor of Cristiano Ronaldo
· Reports: Neymar informed PSG of his desire to leave the club and could land at FC Barcelona
