Need for rules
The violent episodes that marred Sunday’s game between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos soccer clubs are merely a link in a long chain which forms the dire picture of Greek soccer. The unacceptable and excessive remarks by Panathinaikos President Angelos Philipidis sparked many justified reactions, but it would be a mistake to yet again miss the wood for the trees. We will not evaluate here the performance of the two teams or the referee. This has already been done by sports journalists, and the fans who watched the game have already formed their own opinions on the matter. The crucial issue is that soccer has been caught up in the existing web of intertwined interests. The statements released by Panathinaikos and Olympiakos soccer clubs are indicative of this phenomenon. Worse still, the government spokesman’s remarks have ensured that the government is part of the problem. Rather than bringing those responsible for the mess back to order, Christos Protopappas tried in an indirect, albeit clear, fashion to give this conflict a political dimension. However, such a division into enemy camps is dangerous, and it will inevitably also have a negative effect on the ruling party. It is common knowledge that the world of soccer club owners is far from ideal. There are plenty of lumpen elements in all soccer club administrations and, unfortunately, they are the ones who usually set the pace. The results are all too visible. The episodes at the Leoforos Alexandras stadium were, as we said, just another link in a wearyingly long chain. Tracking down all sorts of wrongdoers and hauling them into court would be an important step, but would not solve the problem. It’s time the State undertook its responsibilities. Rings in the world of soccer are, no doubt, very powerful because they comprise a whole range of entangled interests. In effect, they find ways to exert pressure on the government of the time, if not force their will. As shown by the incomplete effort by the former sports minister, Giorgos Floridis, the issue transcends the competence of the responsible sports minister. International experience shows the means to combat hooliganism and set soccer in order. This, however, presupposes that the government displays the requisite political will. Unfortunately, this has been sorely lacking up to now.
