Hooligans identified in footage
Police said yesterday that nine suspected hooligans have been identified after AEK Athens gave video footage of fan violence to authorities as part of a crackdown on violence in local soccer. AEK President Demis Nikolaidis gave videotapes and photos of hooded youths smashing cars, ripping up and throwing seats, and attacking riot police during various games that took place between October 2003 and July 2006. Three of the suspects are known to police for alleged involvement in anarchist groups. Another suspect has already been remanded into custody, accused of taking part in the January beating of Christos Polyzogopoulos, the former head of the Greek General Confederation of Labor (GSEE), the country’s largest umbrella union group. Police are still seeking the other eight suspects. On Thursday, a court sentenced two soccer fans to 10 months in prison for their part in violent incidents during a game between AEK and rival Panathinaikos. Under a new law, sentences for hooliganism can no longer be suspended.