NEWS

New law puts soccer hooligans behind bars

Judges used a new sports law yesterday to hand down 10-month jail sentence on two soccer fans who were involved in clashes between Panathinaikos and AEK supporters at the Olympic Stadium last month. The misdemeanor court also fined the man and woman 300 euros each after they were found guilty of being involved in skirmishes that led to 24 people being injured and 12 cars being damaged. The pair were found guilty of blasphemy, swearing and threatening behavior. The clashes between fans of the rival Athenian clubs led to a pitch invasion which caused the game to be delayed by almost half an hour. Under the new law, sentences handed down in cases of hooliganism can no longer be suspended. As a result, the pair will be held in custody until their appeal is heard.

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