PAOK Imploding
We have heard plenty of commentary and read quite a bit about the incidents at the Toumba Stadium on Sunday night, let’s get the thoughts of someone who was actually there and witnessed the events, PAOK fan and our friend, Alain in Thessaloniki.
From Alain Anastasakis,
Being born in France of Greek descent and with a Grandfather born in Kalamaria, I suppose it was in the blood to become a PAOK fan. I had planned to go back to Thessaloniki for a while, as it has now been 5 years since I’ve been back. I took the opportunity to go back at this time, for this very important game for PAOK, that unfortunately as we all know now, ended so terribly.
The excitement was building in Thessaloniki ever since the decision was made to return the 3 deducted points, as well as overturn the stadium ban for PAOK’s match with AEK. The mad dash for tickets was overwhelming and fortunately, I happened to be one of the lucky ones who had gotten a ticket.
For the entire season, PAOK supporters had convinced themselves that this would finally be their year, 33 years of pain would be coming to an end and they would finally once again get their hands on that elusive League Championship.
The atmosphere pre-game was unbelievable at the stadium, the anticipation and excitement was overwhelming, the place was on fire. Every PAOK fan also seemed to go out of their way not to cause trouble, to ensure there was no repeat of the unruly episodes against Olympiakos from 2 weeks earlier.
From Alain Anastasakis,
Being born in France of Greek descent and with a Grandfather born in Kalamaria, I suppose it was in the blood to become a PAOK fan. I had planned to go back to Thessaloniki for a while, as it has now been 5 years since I’ve been back. I took the opportunity to go back at this time, for this very important game for PAOK, that unfortunately as we all know now, ended so terribly.
The excitement was building in Thessaloniki ever since the decision was made to return the 3 deducted points, as well as overturn the stadium ban for PAOK’s match with AEK. The mad dash for tickets was overwhelming and fortunately, I happened to be one of the lucky ones who had gotten a ticket.
For the entire season, PAOK supporters had convinced themselves that this would finally be their year, 33 years of pain would be coming to an end and they would finally once again get their hands on that elusive League Championship.
The atmosphere pre-game was unbelievable at the stadium, the anticipation and excitement was overwhelming, the place was on fire. Every PAOK fan also seemed to go out of their way not to cause trouble, to ensure there was no repeat of the unruly episodes against Olympiakos from 2 weeks earlier.
PAOK walking out to AC/DC - Hells Bells
The atmosphere during the match was something to behold, the game itself was a very tight affair, as you would expect when the title is on the line and then the turning point came right at the end of the game, that disallowed goal.
As one would imagine the fans were stressed, venting their frustrations and booing the decision to not allow the goal. Fortunately, whilst fans vented their frustration, there were no violent incidents inside the stadium.
As one would imagine the fans were stressed, venting their frustrations and booing the decision to not allow the goal. Fortunately, whilst fans vented their frustration, there were no violent incidents inside the stadium.
Then all of a sudden, PAOK Sports Director, Lubos Michel entered the field, his entrance was met with boos from the PAOK fans and then PAOK President Ivan Savvidis entered, he was met with applause and they were singing his name! (although at the time I am not sure they realised the severity of his actions)
The AEK players and officials at this point went back to the dressing rooms, the referees followed them, while the PAOK players stayed on the pitch.
As usual when these things happened you expect the PAOK fans to be angry, filled with fury and ready to cause mayhem. Speaking to fans as we left the stadium they were very angry at Lubos Michel and the situation they have found their club to be in but as it is, the majority of PAOK fans left the stadium totally dejected and disgusted as they probably came to the realisation that once again the Greek Super League Championship would remain out of their grasp.
The AEK players and officials at this point went back to the dressing rooms, the referees followed them, while the PAOK players stayed on the pitch.
As usual when these things happened you expect the PAOK fans to be angry, filled with fury and ready to cause mayhem. Speaking to fans as we left the stadium they were very angry at Lubos Michel and the situation they have found their club to be in but as it is, the majority of PAOK fans left the stadium totally dejected and disgusted as they probably came to the realisation that once again the Greek Super League Championship would remain out of their grasp.
By Alain for Hellas Football
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