Arrr! A Greek copper be dealt a mighty blow by rowdy fans durin' a volleyball brawl in Athens!
2023-12-07
Arr, me hearties! The mighty crews of Olympiakos and Panathinaikos clashed in Athens, but alas, the match was abandoned as a storm o' violence raged outside the arena. 'Twas a battle not fit for the civilized souls of these fair lands!
In the port city of Athens, Greece, a violent clash between volleyball fans and riot police left a Greek policeman severely injured. The incident took place outside an Athens arena during a match between local rivals Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, and resulted in the game being abandoned.According to State ERT television, a flare shot by one of the rioters struck the officer, severing a thigh artery and leaving him in critical condition at a hospital. The violence escalated when around 150 fans exited the arena and attacked the riot police with flares, gasoline bombs, and stones. They then retreated back inside the venue.
In response, the police deployed tear gas, which unfortunately seeped into the indoor sports ground, affecting the players and spectators. Additionally, they prevented anyone from leaving the arena in an effort to apprehend the culprit who fired the flare.
The heightened security was in place due to the intense rivalry between the two clubs' supporters, who have a history of violent clashes. This rivalry extends beyond soccer and often spills into other sports like basketball and volleyball, exacerbating the issue of fan violence in Greek sports.
This incident highlights the ongoing problem of hooliganism and fan violence within Greek sports culture. It also emphasizes the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety of both players and spectators during matches. While this particular clash was in the context of volleyball, the prevalence of violence suggests a broader issue that needs to be addressed in order to promote a more peaceful and enjoyable sports environment.