The Champions League qualification match between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb has been postponed after the death of a supporter during a clash between the two sets of fans on Monday.
Greek police reported that eight further people sustained injuries during the brawl, in which they estimated there were 100-120 Dinamo fans.
The incident took place in Perissos, Athens and involved “flares, improvised incendiary devices, objects, stones, and also improvised bats”.
The police added that they had arrested 98 people and had opened a preliminary investigation.
Dinamo confirmed the match had been postponed on Tuesday morning and released a statement saying they “strongly condemned” the violence and offered their “sincere condolences to the family of the deceased”.
AEK posted a tribute to the fan on their social media, calling for those responsible to be punished.
The match was due to take place on Tuesday in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, with the second leg of the tie scheduled for next week. The winner will face Royal Antwerp in the play-off round, with the victor from that tie entering the Champions League group stage.
UEFA confirmed that the match in Zagreb would go ahead on Tuesday, August 15 and that the Athens leg will now take place on Saturday, August 19.
A 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. 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.
“Following yesterday’s violence and in consultation with the local authorities, UEFA has decided that the conditions for the match between AEK Athens FC and GNK Dinamo to go ahead tonight are not met.
“The previously communicated decision regarding no away supporters for both matches is maintained and all necessary measures shall be implemented.”
(Photo: Vladimir Rys Photography/Getty Images)
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