Much earlier than expected, the Tumba derby between PAOK and Olympiacos started, and the champions even had suspicions that they would not “go down” to the match. Both teams dangerously raised their voices over the appointment of the QED elite referee Ivan Kruzlyak, from whom the Red-Whites had complaints about the previous European match with Dynamo Kyiv.

Olympiacos initially attacked the EPO and chief referee Bennett, claiming former Dikefalos manager Loubos Michel was behind the appointment. “This is an open challenge and a plan by the gang to harm Olympiacos,” the statement said. In response, PAOK brought in even… Adriana Sklenarikov, and in his statement, among other things, emphasized that “we will not participate in an attempt to create a toxic atmosphere, as we know that Olympiacos can feel better if Treimanis-Pineiro or others have been re-appointed as Clattenberg psychopaths.”

Olympiacos returned, stating, among other things, the “tolerance of a competent minister for the EPO gang”, while demanding a change in a specific referee, in his words, “otherwise we will consider all possibilities.”

The Red-Whites do not want Slovakian Ivan Kruzlyak for Sunday’s derby.

Yesterday’s announcement exchange was closed by PAOK, who responded again and said: “Finishing: Olympiacos’ reasoning is vulgar, apparently judging by their own actions, and not by mocking their funny statement.”

Olympiacos’ request to replace Ivan Kruzlak will not be accepted, as EPO President Takis Baltakos explained in his ERT3 statements: and not CED, and have no relationship with CED and do not want to have a relationship with CED. Of course Olympiacos is asking for it, I assume Mr Bennet already knows about it, but I don’t see the possibility of changing the referee from today for 1-2 days.”