PAOK hit with points deduction for crowd violence

ATHENS: PAOK Salonika were deducted five points and ordered to play five matches behind closed doors on Thursday as part of a heavy punishment for crowd violence that dents their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) announced the punishment, which also includes a heavy fine of 112,000 euros ($125,193), in a statement on its website.

The sanction was a result of crowd trouble, which caused PAOK’s cup semi-final, first leg match against Olympiakos Piraeus in early March to be abandoned as well as other incidents in previous matches this season against AEL Kallonis and Panionios.

Violence erupted during the game against Olympiakos after a penalty was denied to PAOK.

PAOK’s players and supporters were incensed by the decision, prompting an explosion of violence as large groups of fans rushed onto the pitch, hurling flares and missiles before being dispersed by riot police.

“As a result of the disruption and subsequent abandonment of the match between PAOK and Olympiakos, and in view of the extended violence and rioting which was caused by PAOK’s supporters... EPO’s disciplinary committee imposes a total points deduction of (5) points from this season’s championship,” the EPO said.