After the death of a police officer

Greece: 50 arrests in hooligan raid

Following the death of a police officer, the Greek government has closed stadiums to all fans for two months. Now supporters of soccer clubs, for example, are only allowed into the stadium with tickets for which they have to provide their personal details online beforehand.

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Greek police arrested more than 50 people in a major raid on Monday who are suspected of being part of a criminal organization responsible for the death of a police officer during hooligan riots in December. Since early this morning, numerous homes and vehicles have been searched and evidence seized, Greek media reported.

A total of 60 suspects were sought, and the file on the incident is said to contain the names of 150 people involved. The 31-year-old police officer was on duty in Athens at the beginning of December at the top volleyball match between Olympiakos Piraeus and Panathinaikos Athens. Hundreds of violent fans rioted, during which the police officer was hit by a flare and seriously injured. He died 20 days later. An 18-year-old was arrested for allegedly throwing the flare.

Two-month stadium ban
The murder was the straw that broke the camel's back for Greek society in terms of fan violence in sport, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told journalists on Monday. Following the death of the police officer, the government closed the stadiums to all fans for two months. Now supporters of soccer clubs, for example, are only allowed into the stadium with tickets for which they have to provide their personal details online beforehand.