In yet another crackdown move to try and reduce fan violence, supporters’ clubs are being shut down in Greece for five months, triggered by the murder of a 19-year-old who was stabbed and beaten to death by hooligans in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
The February 1 murder of Thessaloniki resident Alkis Kambanos shocked the city and football fans nationwide ‒ in a country that has struggled to deal with sport-related violence for decades.
Ten people have so far been arrested in connection with the attack and Takis Theodorikakos, a minister for public order, said the new measures would include tougher jail terms and sentencing guidelines for organised sport related violence.
Supporters clubs will only be allowed to reopen after July 31 following an extensive review.
“Hooliganism is a global scourge that is responsible for the death of dozens of people. We must join forces, the government, political parties, football teams, and players. No one has the right to be absent from this effort to confront the violence,” Theodorikakos said.