Athens in FLAMES - riot police deployed as fires block streets in Greek capital
ATHENS was plunged into chaos last night as rival football fans clashed in explosive scenes in the Greek capital.
Supporters of AEK and PAOK threw home-made petrol bombs and lit flares in the city centre.
Fans fought pitched battles in the streets as riot police attempted to contain the violence, which came ahead of the Greek Cup final this evening.
Shocking photos show smoke billowing through the streets of Athens with cars blocked from main routes by flares and fires.
Nikos Christofakis
Nikos Christofakis
The two teams are fierce rivals and more violence is predicted before tonight’s key clash, which kicks off at 6.30pm BST.
It comes after a match between the two teams was abandoned when PAOK’s president stormed the field with a handgun.
Ivan Savvidis was banned from football for three years and the entire Greek Super League was temporarily suspended.
Nikos Christofakis
PAOK were also docked three points, finishing second to tonight’s opponents AEK.
Tonight’s match has been flagged as having potential for more chaos by the Greek FA, who have appointed a foreign referee to curb accusations of bias.
The referee, David Borbalan, and his two linesmen both hail from Spain - although fiery scenes outside and inside the stadium are still expected.