Greek soccer match between AEK and PAOK stopped by armed owner after disallowed a disputed goal at the end of a match in the Greek Super league between Paok Salonika and AEK Athens has led to a invasion by one of the team owners, who appeared with a gun.
The game was suspended and the crowd was told to disperse. Adding to the widespread confusion, there were claims that the referee, Giorgos Kominis, had allowed the goal.
Fernando Varela scored with a header in the 90th minute, putting hosts PAOK ahead 1-0 in the northern city of Thessaloniki. The referee signalled a goal but then seemed to disallow it for offside.
PAOK’s owner, businessman Ivan Savvidis, came on the field twice and was accompanied by bodyguards. On the second occasion, without the overcoat he was wearing before, Savvidis appeared to be carrying a pistol which was in its holder.
AEK officials claimed Savvidis threatened the referee during his first foray onto the pitch, before being pulled away and said they will file a complaint with FIFA and UEFA, the world and European soccer governing bodies.
PAOK said in a statement: “After what happened today, PAOK chairman Ivan Savvidis is preparing all necessary procedures to protect the team and all his collaborators from the threats and attacks they have been subjected to. There will be relevant announcements on the issue soon.”
>Juthy Saha
Greek football match stopped by armed owner
Will You Support Our Work?
People turns to WhatsOn to understand what's goingOn? We have been empowering through hope & understanding for the last forty years. We’re an independent social enterprise & our journalism is powered by our supporters. Financial contributions from our readers allows us to keep our journalism free for all & to change the world for better. Please support us, with your donation - no matter how small. Your donation makes a real difference, it empowers our activist & academy, and engages wider community groups, & universities - connecting more people. WhatsOn is a change maker, let’s get our future back together!
