Home FootballEuropean Football AEK Athens vs Dinamo Zagreb Champions League Qualifier Delayed due to Fan Fatality

AEK Athens vs Dinamo Zagreb Champions League Qualifier Delayed due to Fan Fatality

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Fan Violence

After securing their first Greek league title in five years in 2023, AEK Athens earned a spot in the Champions League preliminary stages. However, the scheduled Champions League qualifier between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb, set for Tuesday, has been postponed. The reason behind the delay is a tragic incident where a 29-year-old Greek supporter lost their life due to a stabbing during clashes between rival fans near AEK’s Agia Sophia Stadium in a suburb of Athens on Monday evening.

Local authorities reported that eight other individuals were injured in the clashes, leading to the arrest of 98 people. In light of security concerns, UEFA had previously prohibited fans from visiting the stadium for both legs of the third-round qualifying match.

In response to the unfortunate events, UEFA expressed its strong condemnation and sympathy for the victim’s family and AEK Athens FC. The organization reiterated its stance against violence in sports and called for swift justice against those responsible for the incident.

While the return leg of the qualifier in Croatia is still scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, the game in Athens has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 19.

The confrontations arose approximately 90 minutes after Dinamo Zagreb’s pre-match training session at the Nea Philadelphia stadium. Around 100-120 Dinamo fans clashed with AEK supporters, using various objects and incendiary devices. Greek police initiated a preliminary investigation to identify the individuals involved.

Dinamo Zagreb released a statement condemning the violence and offering condolences to the victim’s family. The incident stands in contrast to the club’s promoted values and ethics.

Greek football has been plagued by hooliganism in recent times, leading the government to increase the maximum penalty for fan violence-related crimes. This comes after a similar fatal stabbing incident in 2022 involving supporters of rival clubs Aris and PAOK, resulting in increased sentencing for the perpetrators. In a separate case, seven defendants were recently found guilty of murder and handed life sentences, with five others receiving sentences exceeding 19 years for their complicity in the crime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fan Violence

What led to the postponement of the Champions League qualifier between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb?

The Champions League qualifier between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb was postponed due to a tragic incident involving the fatal stabbing of a 29-year-old Greek supporter during clashes between rival fans outside AEK’s Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens.

Were there any other casualties or injuries during the clashes?

Apart from the fan who lost their life, eight other individuals were injured as a result of the clashes between rival fans.

Why did UEFA ban visiting supporters from the third-round qualifying tie?

UEFA banned visiting supporters from both legs of the third-round qualifying tie due to security concerns stemming from potential clashes and violence between fan groups.

What was UEFA’s response to the incident?

UEFA strongly condemned the violence and expressed their deepest sympathy to the victim’s family and AEK Athens FC. They reiterated their stance against violence in sports and called for swift justice against those responsible.

How did Dinamo Zagreb respond to the incident?

Dinamo Zagreb issued a statement strongly condemning the violence and expressing their concern. They emphasized that such events are not aligned with the values and ethics they promote as a club and community.

Is this the first time fan violence has affected Greek football?

No, fan violence has marred Greek football in recent years. In response, the government increased the maximum sentence for crimes related to fan violence from six months to five years.

Were there any previous instances of fatal fan violence in Greece?

Yes, in February 2022, a fatal stabbing occurred during a clash between supporters of rival clubs Aris and PAOK in Thessaloniki. This incident led to increased sentencing for those involved.

Were there any legal consequences for the previous fatal stabbing incident?

Yes, seven defendants were found guilty of murder in the previous fatal stabbing case, receiving life sentences. Five others were sentenced to over 19 years in prison for their complicity in the crime.

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8 comments

BallisLife August 9, 2023 - 1:16 am

crazy how some folks mess it up for others. hope justice serves right.

Reply
SoccerFan93 August 9, 2023 - 5:44 am

whoa, dat’s messed up! a fan getting stabbed? that’s not what sports is about, man.

Reply
GoooalMaster August 9, 2023 - 6:04 am

aek athens finally win the league after 5 years, then this happens? unbelievable.

Reply
DinamoDude August 9, 2023 - 7:07 am

dinamo zagreb ain’t about that violence life. them thugs don’t represent us.

Reply
HistoryBuff August 9, 2023 - 7:43 am

greek football’s been strugglin’ with this junk for a while now. ’bout time for change.

Reply
TrueBlueFan August 9, 2023 - 9:34 am

uefa better step up and deal with this nonsense. violence ain’t no game.

Reply
FootyLover August 9, 2023 - 10:33 am

seriously, this ain’t cool at all. them hooligans ruinin’ the game for everyone. smh.

Reply
CroatiaPride August 9, 2023 - 2:46 pm

dinamo fans stand for respect, not this junk. thoughts to the poor fan’s fam.

Reply

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