PAOK Saloniki, Club Brugge’s European opponent in the Conference League, has filed an official complaint with UEFA and the Greek embassy in our country after alleged racist violence by the Belgian police towards visiting fans. This can be read in a statement on the club’s website.
“The club officially files a complaint with UEFA and the Greek Embassy in Belgium for unprecedented and indiscriminate hatred towards the Greeks in the city of Bruges by the local authorities during the match against Club. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Protection, Sports, the Greek Police and other relevant bodies have been informed in detail,” the club begins their statement.
“The Belgian police arbitrarily arrested people who had a valid entrance ticket (for the match, ed.) and denied them access to the stadium. Police used tear gas and water cannon against picnicking supporters and used senseless violence when our fans tried to leave the stadium. The Belgian police have ignored all notions of hospitality and safety standards.”
“The fans, including representatives of the Greek state and family members of our players, and 25 members of PAOK have become victims of senseless violence. All this was seen by eyewitnesses.”
“In view of the second leg, we expect exemplary punishment for those responsible for causing unjust suffering, as well as moral damages. We also expect our colleagues at Club Brugge to condemn the predominantly racist behavior of the Belgian police, who by definition have treated the Greeks as criminals.”
“Our fans deserve congratulations for maintaining their composure after what they went through. We would like to express our regret to those who had tickets but could not attend the match due to the insanity of the Belgian police.”
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Damage to Jan Breydel car park and the city center of Bruges
The 2,000 PAOK fans who traveled with them caused real havoc in the city center of Bruges and in the visitors’ car park of the Jan Breydel Stadium. Dozens of meters of fencing were destroyed, a heavy fence forced open, and several police officers were also injured during the post-match riots. The damage must be repaired before Sunday, when Royal Antwerp visits in the Champions’ Play-offs.
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– 2024-04-12 13:49:45
