Panathinaikos seeks ban on rival’s fans
Like mythical dueling heroes, the two traditional foes of Greek soccer warmed up for this month’s crucial clash yesterday by trading insults, with Panathinaikos demanding that Olympiakos fans be banned from attending the game. This followed extensive clashes between marauding Olympiakos supporters and local fans in the northern town of Xanthi on Sunday. «Panathinaikos has traveled to many towns, but its supporters have never done anything of this sort,» club Chairman Angelos Philippidis said. «While Panathinaikos’s successes are earning Greek soccer headlines in Europe, another team’s supporters are giving Greek soccer a bad name. I summon the authorities not to allow Olympiakos supporters into [Panathinaikos’s home arena on Alexandras Avenue, central Athens.]» The match is on March 24. During last year’s clash, Olympiakos fans smashed 2,000 seats in the newly renovated stadium. These turbulent times favor the development of extreme views. Wise leaders should curb such views. Above all, the European leaders ought to do their best to reverse the course toward havoc.
