The police released a statement in connection with the incidents that occurred last night at the Agios Thomas stadium before the start of the second semi-final of the Volleyball Challenge Cup between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, as a result of which it was postponed.

“On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 19:00, a volleyball match between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos was to take place at the Agios Thomas Amaroussi Indoor Stadium.

Around 17:00 fans outside the stadium began to arrive, there were about 2,000 people, most of whom did not have tickets.

At 17.40 and due to the increased presence of fans, it was decided to open the doors of the stadium.

At about 18:15, when about 500 people entered the stadium, fans outside the 3rd and 6th gates of the stadium, along with those inside the stadium, simultaneously attacked the standing police forces, throwing stones, bottles and kegs. .

As a result of the above attacks, 4 police officers were injured, namely two – with stone blows to the head, one – with a stone on the shoulder and one – in the face and with shoulder dislocation. They also caused damage to the common areas of the stadium.

On the part of the policing forces that carried out activities on the field, the use of the necessary means was carried out off the field in order to release static forces and de-escalate the situation and prevent new attacks.

It is noted that the match in question took place at a particular stadium at the initiative of the home team, although the Greek police requested that it be held at the O.A.K.A. due to the small capacity of the aforementioned stadium and the expected high attendance of the stadium. supporters, while at the same time 17.45 was set as the time for the doors to open and the fans to enter, although the home team offered 18.00.

Announcement of Panathinaikos

Recall that yesterday on Wednesday Panathinaikos A.O. blamed the police, citing an aggressive attitude.

“In a match where everyone at Panathinaikos did their best to turn it into a real volleyball celebration, unfortunately it looks like the police who were in charge of the stadium were not of the same opinion. The attitude of the police towards season ticket holders from the very first moment was aggressive, and as a result there was a lot of tension, which had not been before this moment. Intentionally or not on the part of the police, they started incidents that left many fans injured, and as if that weren’t enough, police forces fired tear gas ON the stadium and another on the gate 3 entrance steps. This is a CRIMINAL act and raises questions about who gave this order,” the message reads, among other things.