According to reports in the Greek news media, not even police officers are allowed to carry arms on soccer fields — a claim that Ms. Rotziokou said is partially true. “Some, not all police officers, have instructions to not carry arms at some parts of the soccer stadium,” she said.
The incident was the latest blow to Greek soccer’s reputation after years of tumult and scandal, which mainly related to claims of match fixing and referee intimidation.
“For the past three years, the government has been trying to clean up the suffering football sector,” said Georgios Vassiliadis, the deputy culture and sports minister, after his meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday.
Mr. Vassiliadis added that the government’s efforts will continue, and that a new set of stricter rules would need to be in place before the suspension of the Super League is lifted.
Football fans turned to social media to denounce the incident, which went viral on Twitter.
Both UEFA and FIFA condemned the episode, but, because it occurred in the context of a national competition, neither are authorized to impose any disciplinary measures.
Source : NYtimes
