Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League third-round qualifier between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb has been postponed following a tragic incident in which a 29-year-old Greek fan was fatally stabbed outside AEK’s Agia Sophia Stadium in northern Athens on Monday evening. The clashes, involving rival supporters, also left eight others injured, and police made 98 arrests.
The violence erupted about 90 minutes after Dinamo Zagreb had completed a pre-match training session at the stadium and departed under police escort. Reports indicate that 100–120 visiting fans clashed with local supporters, hurling flares, stones, improvised incendiary devices, and makeshift bats.
UEFA, which had already banned visiting supporters from both legs due to security concerns, condemned the incident and, in consultation with local authorities, decided to postpone the Athens leg. A UEFA statement read: “UEFA deplores in the strongest possible terms the appalling incidents that took place in Athens last night and resulted in the loss of a life. Violence has no place in our sport, and we expect those responsible to be brought to justice promptly.”
The return leg in Croatia is scheduled to proceed on Tuesday, 15 August, while the rearranged match in Athens is expected to take place on either Friday, 18 August, or Saturday, 19 August.
Dinamo Zagreb also condemned the violence, stating that the riots were “not in line with the values and ethics we promote as a club and community,” and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
Fan violence has been a recurring issue in Greek football. In February 2022, 19-year-old Alkis Kampanos was killed in Thessaloniki during clashes between rival club supporters. Recent reforms increased maximum sentences for fan violence from six months to five years. In Kampanos’ case, seven defendants received life sentences, while five others were sentenced to over 19 years for complicity.
The tragic events in Athens highlight the ongoing struggle against hooliganism in Greek football and underscore the urgency of tighter security measures for high-profile matches.
