Panathinaikos to open their league season behind closed doors

Panathinaikos vs Olympiakos violence

July 14 – Panathinaikos will play their first home game of the new Greek Super League season behind closed doors as punishment for crowd disturbances in a playoff match last season against PAOK Salonica.

The league said the punishment, which also includes a hefty fine of €61,750, was the result of “the behavior of the fans, as well as their abusive slogans”.

Bottles were thrown on to the pitch and dozens of flares were lit during the match, the last of several run-ins the club had with the authorities due to crowd disturbances which saw the partial closure of its stadium in January on top of a previous supporter ban and points deductions.

Another club Panionios were also ordered to play their first home match of the season behind closed doors with a similar punishment due to disturbances during their playoff match with AEK on May 31.

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