Police raided multiple soccer supporters’ clubs in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki late Thursday in the aftermath of an assault linked to brutal fan rivalry that left a 19-year-old man dead.
Raids were carried out at venues speculated of being used for organising attacks, and police set up roadblocks in the surrounding areas.
Thessaloniki resident Alkis Kambanos died after being stabbed and severely beaten late Monday. Two others were also injured in the street attack by a group of young men, police said. A 23-year-old man was later indicted and charged with murder and attempted murder.
The 23-year-old is a member of the Palaion Patron Germanou Street PAOK fan club
Violent fans often use supporters' clubs to stage attacks, and police this week seized ice picks, flares, pitchforks and baseball bats in a raid at one venue.
Greece has battled soccer-related violence for decades. League organisers have started inviting referees from other European countries to officiate at essential matches to address bias cases at events.
