Soccer left reeling from canceled derby
Greek soccer has entered another cycle of controversy, introspection and infighting after the derby that never was between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos on Saturday. That has overshadowed the Super League action of Sunday, that included PAOK firing a blank at home against Panetolikohs.
Olympiakos is set to add another three points to its tally of 30 from the first 10 games of the season and Panathinaikos will sink to another season of disappointment after a “derby of eternal rivals” than never took place on Saturday. Instead of goals, the evening at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium had 16 arrests and three police officers injured, one of them seriously.
After second thoughts Panathinaikos president Yiannis Alafouzos decided on Sunday to stay on and to leave aside the thought of withdrawing the biggest club in the capital from the Super League, although this remains a remote possibility should the club’s general meeting decide to consider it.
The club has also called on Panathinaikos fans to rally on Wednesday outside the club’s home ground at Alexandras Avenue in protest for the state of the Greek game.
Asteras Tripolis has risen to third after beating Atromitos 1-0 on Saturday and Panionios lost 2-0 at Xanthi on Sunday. AEK rose to fourth with its nail-biting 2-1 win at bottom team Pathrakikos, leaving Panionios to the fifth spot.
PAOK lies sixth, five points and three places behind Asteras, as it shared a goalless draw with visiting Panetolikos.
There were 2-1 home wins for PAS Giannina over Kalloni Lesvou and for Platanias Hanion over Levadiakos.
On Monday Veria entertains Iraklis.
