The Greek soccer federation stated on March 3, 2016, that competitive soccer could be suspended for the rest of the season due to increased fan violence at matches. The violence escalated during a match between PAOK Salonika and Olympiakos Piraeus, when a penalty kick was denied to PAOK. The fans erupted into a frenzy of violence and stormed the field to protest the game. Riot police were called out to stop the violence, but the match had to be abandoned because of unsafe conditions. According to the EPO statement, it would “not allow football to be involved in games and goals that go beyond the controversies on the pitch and be burdened with the problems of an entire society.”
Many Greek officials and experts claim that the increased violence at soccer matches is due to economic and political struggles of Greece in recent years, including European bailouts, high unemployment, and cutting of pensions. Greece has a history of fan violence, including a suspension of competitive soccer last season due to ongoing fan violence at matches. In addition, many clubs have withdrawn their teams from competitive matches and national tournaments due to the violence, with their concern being toward player safety. “The Athens derby last November involving Panathinaikos and Olympiakos was called off due to violent clashes between fans and police before kick-off.” Multiple games in Greece and at road games involving Greek teams have ended in violence, which has led to the consideration of cancelling the rest of the season for the second year in a row.
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