Cup Final referee says Olympiakos chairman entered his locker room at halftime
The referee at the center of Greece’s controversial soccer cup final between Olympiakos and Asteras Tripolis has informed authorities that, in breach of regulations, Reds chairman Vangelis Marinakis entered his locker room at halftime and complained about his decisions.
The referee, Thanasis Yiachos, has been heavily criticized since the May 11 game, which Olympiakos won 3-1 to secure a league and cup double, for favoring the champion in his decision making.
He was accused of failing to penalize an Olympiakos player with a red card, not awarding Asteras Tripolis a clear penalty and ignoring a blatant handball by a Reds defender that stopped what would have been a certain goal for the Peloponnese side.
A prosecutor who deals with sporting matters, Aristidis Korreas, launched a probe into the game after complaints from Asteras Tripolis. As part of the investigation Yiachos and his five assistants on the day were asked to give evidence before the Central Refereeing Committee (KED).
The six referees told the panel that Marinakis entered their dressing room and voiced his displeasure at their performance in the first half. Under Hellenic Football Federation rules nobody is allowed to enter the referee’s dressing room at halftime.
Clarification
Since this story was written, Kathimerini English Edition has received a written communication from Olympiakos soccer club which states that its chairman only went to the referee’s locker room at halftime to wish the match officials “good luck” and for no other reason.
