Crackdown on Sports Violence: Greek Police Arrest 63 in Major Operation
In a significant move to combat sports-related violence, Greek police have taken into custody 63 individuals suspected of being part of a criminal organisation with connections to sports violence. This announcement came from officials on Tuesday, signaling a crackdown on the hooliganism plaguing Greek sports.
The majority of those arrested are supporters of the Olympiakos sports team. Vaso Pantazi, a lawyer representing two of the accused, informed Reuters that her clients have refuted the charges leveled against them. The Monday arrests were the culmination of an extensive operation that saw police conducting raids at 87 homes and seizing items such as mobile phones, laptops, knives, and airguns as evidence.
Authorities have pinpointed 160 individuals suspected of belonging to this criminal group, which is believed to have been active since at least 2019. The suspects face allegations of various crimes, including illegal drug possession, weapons and explosives handling, robbery, and even manslaughter.
The investigation was spurred by the tragic death of 31-year-old riot police officer Georgios Lyngeridis after sustaining injuries from a flare during a clash at a volleyball match between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos. His death prompted the detention of over 400 individuals, with most providing DNA samples. Currently, one person is imprisoned awaiting trial for Lyngeridis’ murder.
Based on evidence and the testimonies of three protected witnesses, the police constructed a case revealing the reach of this criminal organisation across Athens and other Greek cities. Despite these developments, Alexis Kougias, Vice President and legal adviser of Olympiakos, has stated to Reuters that the team and its owner “are not linked to the case and those accused in any way”.
In response to these violent incidents, the government has implemented measures such as installing surveillance cameras at sports venues. Additionally, fans will soon be required to identify themselves using a government mobile application before entering stadiums, with this system already partially in place.
The issue of hooliganism has been a recurring theme in Greek sports. In August 2023, AEK Athens supporter Michalis Katsouris was fatally stabbed in clashes before a Champions League match. This incident followed the shocking death of 19-year-old soccer fan Alkis Kampanos during rival group altercations the previous year.
