AEK Athens and POAK’s title-deciding Super League clash ended in chaotic scenes after the final whistle.
AEK Athens went into the game with a two-point lead over POAK on top of the Super League table. They needed a draw to stay on top of proceedings while a win for POAK will see the two sides exchange positions at the top.
Buoyed by roaring home fans, POAK had their way against the visitors with a 3-2 victory after the final whistle but it appears AEK Athens coach Matias Almeyda was unsettled with the result.
At the blast of the final whistle, Almeyda sparked a brawl after flung into a crowd of POAK players and coaching staff, grabbing one of them by the neck.
The opponents attempted to hold him back but failed as he stormed through them, fighting and clashing with everyone in the cluster.
The fallout spilled out of control when AEK Athens players and officials waded into the clash to defend their manager.
After a few minutes of flaring tempers, the police intervened and restored calm. Addressing the incident after the match, Almeyda alleged he was pushed by an opponent after the match, leading to his furious reaction.
“Did you see how many people were in the stadium? What I always say is that if we want to change the situation in Greek football, there cannot be so many people. There is no one at AEK matches. So who protects us on the field?
”I really don’t care if it was PAOK people or others, I just think that people should be more respectful. I respect the world and I want the same.
”When I see an injustice being done, I react. I am a man, blood flows in my veins. I’m not going to change the way I am as a person.
‘I respect everyone whether I’m playing inside or outside and I want to be treated as a human being. I hope we don’t all have to be upset about something that has happened on the field. Before I had received some pushes.
‘If you push me, I’ll do the same. Because I don’t push, I talk. I accept defeats and criticism, but don’t let anyone challenge me. It’s simple. If what I did is bad, yes it is.”
Greek outlet reports Almeyda could face a three-match ban for the unprofessional move after the match.
