March 14 – Police in Greece were put on alert after they received information that a group of about 100 supporters of Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb were traveling to Thessaloniki for the UEFA Europa Conference League match against PAOK.
UEFA has already sanctioned the Croatian club with a ban on fans at all away games in European club tournaments, following clashes between fans of Dinamo Zagreb and AEK in Athens last August, that saw Greek fan Michalis Katsouri killed.
Despite the ban, a group of Dynamo fans have still persisted in travelling to Thessaloniki via Alexandroupolis in Northern Greece. Local police have been ordered not to allow any Dinamo Zagreb fans into Thessaloniki in order to avoid any incidents with PAOK supporters.
The first match between Dinamo and PAOK in the Croatian capital Zagreb a week ago took place without away fans. Dinamo won 2:0.
On Wednesday Dinamo warned their supporters not to travel to Greece.
“GNK Dinamo provides important information ahead of the second leg of the 1/8 finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League against PAOK. We remind you that UEFA has decided that Dinamo fans will not be allowed to enter the stadium for away European matches this season,” said a Dinamo statement.
“For this reason, we request and appeal to Dinamo fans to follow the rules, respect UEFA’s decision and not travel to Greece. The club emphasizes its commitment to a safe and positive environment and thanks all its fans for their understanding and support.”
At the same time, Dinamo president Velimir Zajec has said that if the Croatian club reaches the final of the UEFA Conference League, it will not take place in Greece. The final of the tournament is due to be held at the OPAP Arena in Athens on May 29, but according to Zajec, the match will be moved to the Czech Republic if Dianmo reach the final.
UEFA has made no comment on the venue for the final.
“It will be a very nice game against PAOK. We have an advantage that I believe we will keep, it will be a nice match,” saod Zajec.
When asked about the final at OPAP Arena he added: “It is a good venue; I wish we could play in the final. It will be difficult, because after PAOK we have to overcome several opponents. If we go to the final, Dinamo will not be able to play at AEK’s stadium. The final will go to the Czech Republic,” he concluded.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1714224552labto1714224552ofdlr1714224552owedi1714224552sni@o1714224552fni1714224552