Panathinaikos vs. Olympiakos Postponed Due to Fan Violence

A Greek Super League fixture between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos was postponed on Saturday evening after riots erupted as the home fans clashed with police prior to kick-off.

Demetris Nellas of the Associated Press (h/t Greek outlet the Olympian) reported that violence between the authorities and police caused the game to be suspended after referee Andreas Pappas "decided the conditions were unsafe." A statement from Panathinaikos chairman Yiannis Alafouzos read: "I intend to submit my resignation. I will propose to the board to consider whether Panathinaikos should continue to participate in the league."

The Athens derby is regarded as one of the biggest fixtures in Greek football, but tempers soared after Olympiakos striker Alfred Finnbogason was hit by a flare on the pitch in the build-up to the game.

BBC Sport reported as many as 50 people were arrested as a result of the disturbance, which included the tearing up of advertisement hoardings and throwing missiles on the pitch. Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell commented on the "chaos":

According to the Associated Press, a statement from Panathinaikos lambasted Pappas' decision to postpone the game, claiming it was in part responsible for the violence.

Olympiakos headed into Saturday's fixture with an eight-point lead at the summit of the Greek Super League, although Nellas noted no away fans were in attendance.