13 January 2004
So, this is it: the Olympic year. A year that assumed mythical status
since 1997, when Athens was chosen as the host of the 2004 Olympic
Games. However, the 2004 Greek football scene could not be further
away from the "Olympic Spirit".
How else can we describe the situation after the latest decision
of Greek State officials that essentially bans all away fans from
watching any match!!!
Last Sunday's matchday saw 24 Ionikos fans being arrested before their
team's game at Kallithea. Their only crime? They wore Ionikos scarves
when they approached the stadium!!! No, they didn't clash with fans
of the opposing club; they didn't have the slightest hostile behaviour.
But they DID wear their team's colours, a crime of monstrous proportions
according to the Minister of Sports!
This
situation would be outright ridiculous, if it didn't also signify
a dangerous reality: the people in charge of sports in Greece do
not have the slightest idea of how to tackle hooliganism. Their
latest decision only makes things much worse.
Previous editorials:
Our new look (15 December 2003)
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