ATHENS (AFP) – A Greek riot police officer died yesterday of injuries sustained in a clash with sports hooligans that prompted the government to ban spectators from games for two months.
The 31-year-old was hit in the leg by a flare outside an Athens stadium during a December 7 volleyball game between arch-rivals Olympiacos and Panathinaikos.
Doctors amputated his leg in an attempt to save his life, but the Athens hospital treating him said he succumbed to his injuries.
An 18-year-old is in custody over the incident.
The government has ordered all Greek league football matches to be played behind closed doors until at least February 12.
To combat chronic fan violence, Greek authorities also plan to install high-definition cameras and electronic entry systems to verify supporters’ identities at all stadiums.
