Ivan Savvidis entered the playing field on Sunday carrying a gun following a disputed goal.GETTY IMAGES
Greece Sports Minister Georgios Vassiliadis said that Superleague play has been "suspended indefinitely, a day after the gun-toting owner of PAOK Thessaloniki" marched onto the field following a disputed goal at the end of a league match, according to Daniel Zeqiri of the London TELEGRAPH. A disallowed goal in the closing stages of the game between PAOK and AEK Athens "sparked anarchy on Sunday night," when PAOK Owner Ivan Savvidis "stormed the pitch while appearing to carry a holstered gun." Savvidis twice marched onto the field surrounded by bodyguards to "remonstrate with referee Giorgos Kominis" after Fernando Varela's 89th minute goal was "chalked off with the score 0-0." Vassiliadis, speaking after meeting Monday with Greek PM Alexis Tsipras, said that league play was suspended and would not restart "if there is not a new, clear framework agreed to by all so we can move forward with conditions and regulations." Savvidis "wore a holster on his waist containing what appeared to be a revolver, though he did not remove it during the ensuing fracas" (TELEGRAPH, 3/12). The AP reported Greek police said that they are investigating Savvidis, who holds a gun license, and four others for "illegal entry onto the field and for possession of an object that could cause harm in a sporting venue." PAOK released a statement after the game, insisting that Savvidis invaded the pitch to "protect the club" (AP, 3/12). REUTERS' Michele Kambas reported Greek football "has been plagued by pitch invasions and violence on and off the pitch." Authorities have "repeatedly promised to clean up the game." Vassiliadis said that the suspension was "indefinite until all involved agreed on a code of conduct and rules." He added, "On our part, much tighter rules on issues of security." PAOK "went on to be declared the winner after the referee reversed his decision two hours after the game and allowed the goal" (REUTERS, 3/12).
