Tragic Fatality of AEK Fan Follows Confrontation with Dinamo Zagreb Supporters in New Philadelphia

A sombre cloud descended upon New Philadelphia as the aftermath of a violent encounter involving Dinamo Zagreb fans unfolded on Monday night, August 7th, 2023. Regrettably, one AEK fan has lost their life after these distressing events.

The AEK supporter who tragically passed away was among the group handed over to the Red Cross, a collective of fellow “yellow and black” enthusiasts. Sustaining grave injuries from a knife attack, his condition deteriorated, and by the early hours of Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, he succumbed to his wounds. This shocking incident occurred amidst preparations for the football match between the two teams at the OPAP Arena.

n defiance of a ban on the movement of fans from Croatia, over 100 organized Dinamo Zagreb supporters managed to reach Greece via road, embarking on a journey to Athens in a convoy. Despite being spotted by security personnel on the national road, they skillfully maneuvered, eventually congregating at the ISAP Irini station after dispersing their vehicles upon reaching Attiki Odos. They crossed paths with PAO supporters, boarding a train together and disembarking at the Pefkakia station before making their way to New Philadelphia.

Simultaneously, the training sessions of both teams had concluded at the AEK stadium, with the Dinamo Zagreb delegation escorted to their hotel under police protection. The AEK officials locked down the stadium as a precaution.

The orchestrated Dinamo Zagreb organizers, joined by PAO fans, swiftly converged outside the stadium around 11:00 PM, launching an attack on AEK fans who were present in the local cafes. A fierce altercation erupted, featuring Molotov cocktails, bats, and various objects as weapons. Prompt intervention by robust MAT forces ensued, quelling the disturbances using chemical means. Subsequently, arrests were made, with those involved apprehended and transported to Security for questioning. The aim is to identify the individual responsible for the stabbing and to elucidate the case’s details, thereby preparing a comprehensive case file. The detainees are to be brought before the prosecutor for further legal proceedings.