The Greek Super League Derby match between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos was abandoned on October 23, 2023, after a player got stuck by a firework.
The two Greek giants had a fierce match and were playing 1-1 in the first half before the match was abandoned in the second half.
Five minutes into the second half, Panathinaikos’ substitute Juan Carlos, who was warming up, got hit by a firework thrown by an unidentified spectator.
After the player was hit, he fell to the ground in pain and was quickly checked by his teammates. The play was suspended for an hour as players left the field for their dressing rooms.
With the fans still expecting the match to continue, they received an announcement saying the Panathinaikos players were reluctant to come out of their dressing room.
It was revealed that the player suffered a loss of hearing after he got hit by the fireworks. He was attended to by the medical staff of Panathinaikos and was taken away to the hospital for further treatment.
Panathinaikos reacted to the incident on Twitter, saying, “A firecracker falls on the players of our team who are warming up. Juankar is on the ground, injured.”
“Interruption in the match Our team retires to the locker room. An hour has passed since stoppage time in the derby. Our team remains in the locker room.”
The two clubs don’t know how the match will be determined by the official, but Panathinaikos wants the match to be determined in court.
The last Derby match between the two teams that was abandoned happened in 2019, when the referee was forced to stop the match after a group of 30 fans attacked the players in their dugout.
The Greek police were compelled to make use of teargas to control the crowd in front of the stadium.
What Next For Olympiacos And Panathinaikos
Olympiacos will welcome one of the most in-form teams in the Europa League, West Ham, on October 26, 2023 at 8:00 pm
West Ham currently sit on top of Group A of the Europa League with six points from two matches.
Olympiacos are currently in third place with one point from two matches. It is a fight for the top spot in Group A.
A win for Olympiacos will see them move to the top of Group A, and West Ham below them.
Panathinaikos will welcome Rennes for Match Day 3 of the UEFA Europa League on October 26, 2023.
The Panathinaikos team had been in nice form in the Europa League this season, with one win and a draw in two matches.
It is a must win match for both sides to move to the top of Group F of the Europa League. Panathinaikos have four points from two matches, while Rennes have three points from two matches.
