Judicial authorities in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, are investigating claims by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Nikos Tachiaos.
He alleges a senior executive from a local soccer club threatened to disrupt the city's metro inauguration. The inauguration, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is set for Saturday after significant delays.
Tachiaos reported receiving a phone call from a high-ranking official of a Thessaloniki soccer club. The caller allegedly warned him, saying, "Thousands of people are ready to disrupt what you are preparing. They will destroy everything when Mitsotakis arrives." Tachiaos was asked to pass this message to the prime minister. He also mentioned receiving similar threats via text message.
"The Mitsotakis government is neither threatened nor blackmailed. It does not negotiate with or condone hooliganism or orchestrated violence," Tachiaos affirmed.
Although Tachiaos did not specify the club, Aris FC acknowledged that an executive reached out to the minister. However, the club denied making threats, clarifying that the executive was merely informing Tachiaos about potential protests by Aris fans. This protest was in reaction to a two-match stadium ban imposed on the team, including an upcoming game against AEK Athens, due to fan violence during a recent match against Volos.
Subsequently, the Athens Administrative Court of Appeals suspended the penalty against Aris, leading fans to call off their protest plans.