The antics of PAOK Thessaloniki’s armed owner has resulted in the indefinite suspension of Greece’s top flight league.
PAOK owner Ivan Savvidis made international headlines when he carried a holstered pistol onto the pitch Sunday as he protested the referee’s decision over a disallowed goal.
With a handgun strapped to his waist, Savvidis made his way onto the pitch to join PAOK supporters who also invaded the pitch in the final minutes of Sunday’s encounter with AEK Athens.
Greek Deputy Culture and Sports Minister Georgios Vassiliadis revealed Monday that the Superleague will cease until reforms are implemented in order to curb similar incidents.
“We have decided to interrupt the championship … It won’t start again unless there is a clear framework, agreed by all, to move forward with conditions and rules,” Vassiliadis said, according to Michele Kambas of Reuters.
Savvidis entered the field of play twice Sunday surrounded by his own bodyguards. He was wearing an overcoat the first time, but opted to ditch the jacket to presumably reveal the gun on his waist as he attempted to speak with the match official after Fernando Varela’s 89th minute goal during a goalless draw was disallowed, denying a win for PAOK.
The decision over the disallowed goal was overturned two hours later, and PAOK was awarded the victory.
Savvidis did not remove the weapon from its holster.
