October 1 – Greek football, beset by financial troubles and hooliganism, has suffered another setback after this coming weekend’s entire programme was suspended by the government, along with all other team sports, as a mark of respect following the death of a fan at a third division game.
Kostas Katsoulis, a 46-year-old supporter of Piraeus team Ethnikos, died two weeks after suffering head injuries when he was attacked along with other fans by about 30 Irodotos supporters in Heraklion, Crete. Police have arrested four people in connection with the attack.
The decision sees the postponement of the sixth round of all Super League games, including the derby between title rivals PAOK and Olympiakos, as well as lower-league fixtures,
“As a small token of respect to the memory of Kostas Katsoulis, who lost his life today (Monday), a victim of football fan violence, by decision of Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Giannis Andrianos, all official matches of team sports in the country will be postponed this coming weekend,” the General Secretariat of Sports said in a statement.
Earlier Monday Andrianos said in a statement that “a young man today lost a two week battle for his life simply because he went to see his favourite team. His death should be the last in the long line of mindless violence which has plagued sports competitions here.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734831199labto1734831199ofdlr1734831199owedi1734831199sni@w1734831199ahsra1734831199w.wer1734831199dna1734831199