Greek police officers have arrested 17 individuals in relation to the fan clashes that took place during the Greek Cup Final on Saturday night in Athens, Ekathimerini reports.
Panathinaikos won its first silverware in eight years downing PAOK 1-0 in the final, but the match was marred by crowd trouble as rival fans threw flares and clashed with police inside the Olympic stadium.
According to The Guardian, violence broke out an hour before the match was due to start as spectators began arriving at the stadium, delaying the kickoff.
Panathinaikos and PAOK fans tried to enter the area of empty seats separating them, and riot police responded by using teargas to break up the crowd.
The final was interrupted after Aitor Cantalapiedra scored from the penalty spot for Panathinaikos in the 34th minute and PAOK fans threw objects on to the pitch. PAOK fans also clashed with police outside the stadium during half-time, a police official said.
Greek soccer has been plagued by violence on and off the pitch, and authorities have repeatedly promised to clean up the game.
READ MORE: Greece cracks down on soccer hooligans after Thessaloniki murder.
The 17 individuals arrested have been charged with a litany of offences, including assault and vandalism, and have been led before a prosecutor.
Investigations are ongoing to identify more people involved in the event.
READ MORE: Olympiacos crowned Greek soccer champions for a record 47th time.
Source: Ekathimerini and The Guardian.
