UEFA suspend AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb's Champions League qualification match after fan stabbed to death

The match was scheduled to take place in the OPAP Arena

The UEFA Champions League qualification between Greek side AEK Athens and Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb has been suspended due to a brawl between the club supporters.

According to reports, one of the AEK Athens supporters was stabbed to death. This incident has led to 96 arrests and eight injuries as per Euronews.

It is being reported that the fan was taken to the Nea Filadelfeia stadium, on the outskirts of Athens, to a local hospital where he died.

This fight broke out between the two sets of fans ahead of their UEFA Champions League qualification third Round, which was scheduled to take place within the next 12 hours.

ANA, the Greek news agency, revealed that an inquiry into the matter had been initiated, and the detained individuals were scheduled to make appearances before the state prosecutor on Tuesday.

Greek police said: “A serious incident took place outside the Nea Filadelfeia stadium. A young Greek man was stabbed to death and six other injured people are in hospital.” 

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In 2022, the Greek government increased the maximum sentence for crimes of fan violence from six months to five years after another stabbing death at a football match.

The Croatian club released an official statement:

 “GNK Dinamo strongly condemns the riots that took place last night in Athens, in which, according to the reports of the Greek police and Greek and Croatian media, rioters from Croatia were involved in an incident with fans of the Greek football club AEK.

“Such events are not in line with the values and ethics we promote as a club and community. We express our deep concern over this incident. Unfortunately, one person lost his life during the riots. GNK Dinamo would like to express its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.

“Once again, we remind and invite all Dinamo fans not to travel to the match in Greece, considering that UEFA, in agreement with the police, decided that both matches will be played without visiting fans. GNK Dinamo remains committed to creating an environment in which love for sport is expressed in a positive way, through togetherness, respect and cooperation.”

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