UEFA has made a significant decision to exclude Dinamo Zagreb fans from participating in all away matches during this season’s European soccer competitions. This move comes as a response to the tragic incident that occurred in Athens earlier this month, where a Greek fan lost his life in violent clashes.
The announcement followed Zagreb’s elimination from the Champions League after the postponed second leg of a qualifying-round game against AEK Athens. Originally scheduled as the first leg on August 8, the game was postponed due to the death of a 29-year-old fan, Michalis Katsouris, in the clashes near the AEK stadium.
In response to the violence, nearly 100 Croatian nationals were detained in Athens on various charges, including murder, assault, and membership of a criminal organization. Despite UEFA’s prohibition on selling tickets for the game due to security concerns, Dinamo fans had traveled to Athens.
Aleksandar Ceferin, the president of UEFA, held discussions with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on addressing violence among soccer fans.
UEFA’s decision categorizes all Dinamo matches as “high risk and this was unfortunately confirmed by the extreme gravity of incidents” in Athens. The organization has now mandated Dinamo,“in conjunction with the relevant political, public security and football authorities in Croatia, to devise and implement a strategy to eradicate football-related violence associated with their club,” UEFA said
“Dinamo and the relevant public authorities must take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of visiting supporters,” UEFA added.
Although fans of opposing teams playing against Dinamo can still receive tickets for games in Zagreb, the club and relevant authorities must ensure the safety of visiting supporters.
Dinamo is set to face Sparta Prague in a two-leg playoff, with the return game in Prague scheduled for August 31. The outcome of this match determines whether Dinamo progresses to the Europa League group stage or the Europa Conference League groups.
AEK Athens advanced to the Champions League playoffs after drawing 2-2 with Dinamo, with the decisive goal scored by AEK’s Croatia defender Domagoj Vida. The image of Michalis Katsouris was displayed on a banner by AEK fans during the game.
