Ivan Jovanovic, the Serbian coach of Greek club Panathinaikos, spoke on Tuesday of “difficult times” after the death Monday evening of a young Greek fan of AEK, another Athens club, after clashes between supporters. “Before we start, I want to express my condolences to the family of Michalis who lost their lives after yesterday’s events,” Jovanovic said during a press conference held on the eve of the match between Panathinaikos and Marseille in 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League.
Michalis Katsouris, a 22-year-old AEK Athens supporter, was stabbed in violent clashes between supporters of his club and Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb on Monday night. The match between the two teams, originally scheduled for Tuesday evening, has been postponed by UEFA. “It should have been two days of celebration with the Greek teams in the race for qualification in the Champions League. These are difficult times, this press conference is special, ”said Mr. Jovanovic.
“Everything that happened is sad. It doesn’t just happen in Greece, it happens everywhere. Strength and courage to the family and people of AEK, let’s hope it doesn’t happen again,” said Sebastian Palacios, the Argentinian striker of Panathinaikos.
Police say at least eight people were injured — three Greeks and five Croats — in Monday night’s brawl. Police made 96 arrests.