Champions League football match postponed after fan tragically stabbed and killed
A Champions League qualifier between AEK Athens and Dinzamo Zagreb was postponed following the death of a fan
PA
Tuesday's Champions League qualifier between AEK Athens and Dinzamo Zagreb was postponed following the death of a fan.
The Greek supporter, aged 29, was stabbed and died following brawls between rival fans outside AEK's Agia Sophia Stadium.
Police have also said eight others were injured in the brawl, with 98 arrests made.
UEFA had previously banned visiting fans from both legs of the third-round qualifying tie because of security concerns.
Police are investigating following the death of a football fan in Athens
PA
Given the trouble going on outside, UEFA then decided to postpone the match. Right now, it's unclear when the rest of the fixture will be played.
European football's governing body released a statement that 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.
"While expressing our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim, to AEK Athens FC and its fans, we would like to reiterate that violence has no place in our sport and we expect that those responsible for this terrible act be arrested and consigned to justice in the shortest delay."
The return leg in Croatia will reportedly go ahead as planned on August 15.
It's also been suggested the game in Athens will be rearranged for either August 18 or August 19.
Greek police have said the trouble started 90 minutes after Dinamo had completed a pre-match training session at the stadium in Nea Philadelphia.
They left under police escort due to concerns over their safety.
Fans from both sides apparently threw flares, objects, stones and also had 'improved incendiary devices' and 'improvised bats'.
Dinamo released a statement following the tragedy that said: "GNK Dinamo strongly condemns the riots that took place last night in Athens.
"Such events are not in line with the values and ethics we promote as a club and community.
"We express our deep concern over this incident. GNK Dinamo would like to express its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased."
And AEK fan Kyriakos Mantzakidis was quoted by PA as saying: “This was a murderous attack against ordinary people. Many of the people gathered in this area were not soccer fans. It is a failure of the government to plan properly. It was a good decision to postpone the game. The atmosphere was too tense.”
The Greek government has taken action in recent years as they look to clamp down on violence in football.
A 19-year-old named Alkis Kampanos was killed in February 2022 in Thessaloniki following a fight.
Last month, seven defendants were sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of his murder.
Five others were also given sentences of over 19 years for being complicit in the crime.
Alkis' father, Aristides, said after hearing the news that he would 'live in my pain until I die'.
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He also said: “How can this happen over a soccer team?”
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