UEFA has decided to postpone the first leg of the Champions League preliminary round between Aek Athens and Dinamo Zagreb, scheduled for tonight at 20.45 CET. Everything was decided after the tragedy that happened last night. In fact, an AEK fan was killed in the Greek capital after clashes broke out between the “factions” of alleged supporters of the two clubs who flocked to the Greek metropolis for the game.
The dramatic news comes from Athens, where an Aek fan died after being stabbed during a brawl between Ultras. The message was delivered by the local police. A press release announced that the clashes between Aek Athens and Dinamo Zagreb fans also left eight injured and 96 arrested. Clashes erupted in the Athens suburbs, where fans of Aek and Dinamo met with clear warlike intentions. A violent brawl ensued in which a 22-year-old young man died, succumbing to his injuries in hospital.
“UEFA deeply regrets the appalling events that took place in Athens last night, resulting in the loss of one life. We send our deepest condolences to the family of the victim, AEK Athens FC and their supporters. We want to reiterate that violence has occurred.” It has no place in our sport and we expect those responsible for this horrific act to be arrested and brought to justice.”
UEFA made the announcement in a statement following the serious accidents involving Dinamo Zagreb and AEK fans in the Nea Philadelphia neighborhood of Athens, which resulted in the death of a Greek fan. For this reason, UEFA reiterates that “after yesterday’s violence and in consultation with local authorities” the conditions for tonight’s game between Aek Athens and Dinamo Zagreb are “not met”.
“In accordance with Article 26.01 of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Regulations, tonight’s game at the Agia Sofia Stadium in Athens is postponed,” Nyon continues. The match between GNK Dinamo (CRO) and AEK Athens FC (GRE) will take place in Zagreb as scheduled on Tuesday 15 August 2023 (20:00 CET). UEFA is in contact with both clubs to confirm the date of the catch-up game between AEK Athens FC (GRE) and GNK Dinamo (CRO), namely Friday 18 August 2023 or Saturday 19 August 2023. The decision already communicated regarding the absence of away fans for both games will be maintained and all necessary measures will be implemented.