Shocked Dundee United coach Paul Hegarty has revealed how his spying mission to Athens turned into a frenzied scene of chaos and violence.
The Greek club’s ‘friendly’ match with lower-league side Kallithea had to be abandoned as AEK trailed 2-1 with baton-wielding police struggling to intervene as AEK fans attacked their own manager on the park.
Team boss Dusan Bajevic was punched, kicked, knocked to the ground and hit with bottles and chairs as the mob ran riot.
The remarkable scenes were witnessed by a bemused Hegarty and, after returning unscathed, the Tannadice legend revealed just how near he was to the carnage.
He said, “There were just about 10 minutes to go in the game when the fans started to encroach on the playing surface.
“I spoke to Petros, the guy who was looking after me, and he warned me things might get a bit scary. The fans then started fighting with each other.”
He added, “It was mayhem, the police had to get involved and they were swinging batons.
“It was a small ground, so it all happened just 30 or 40 yards in front of me. It wasn’t pleasant to say the least and you did fear for your safety.
“I have played in a few games in Europe where the fans have been fighting on the terraces but this was a whole new level.”AEK president outragedAEK president Stavros Adamidis was outraged by the incident and gave Bajevic his full backing while expressing a desire to rid the club of their hooligan element.
He said, “What happened is a disgrace for AEK.
“The administration is determined and we will keep the coach.”
He added, “We call on the real AEK fans to rid the club of these problems.”
Events in the Greek capital, at what was meant to be a low-key friendly, have raised concerns over the return leg in Athens on August 26, with many United fans expected to follow the team.
They have been urged to take care by Shug Falconer, chairman of the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs.
Falconer said, “Fans going to Athens should carry an element of caution with them, although that should be the case whenever you are going abroad to watch football.
“I was aware of the reputation that some AEK fans have but there has also been people from Greece writing on our fans’ (internet) messageboards saying it is just a small element that do this sort of thing.”
He added, “I believe those looking to travel to support United should still do so and hopefully have a great time but they should also be wary.””Makes for a great atmosphere”Tannadice boss Peter Houston has been updated on events in Athens by Hegarty but, despite the possibility of a hostile reception for the second leg, he insists his players will cope.
Houston said, “The fans seemed to be fighting among each other and by all accounts it seems like their supporters are renowned for being volatile.
“So we know what to expect when we go over there.”
He added, “I have seen Rangers play Panathanaikos in Greece and their fans are along the same lines.
“It makes for a great atmosphere so we will relish going there.
“Obviously we don’t want anything too serious happening but when there is an atmosphere like that it is something you should be inspired by.”
AEK chief scout Vassilis Borbokis was at Tannadice on Sunday to watch United’s slightly less eventful friendly against Wigan Athletic, which they lost 3-1.
Houston was not too bothered with the impression he got of the Tangerines, adding, “I don’t care what he thinks.
“They have had good results against Scottish sides but if he doesn’t go away thinking we are a half-decent side then good on him.”
Houston said, “The European game is on the backburner at the moment and I am just looking forward to the first SPL game against St Mirren on Saturday.”
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Panoramas.