Michalis Kacuris (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
In a grim unraveling of events that shook the core of Greek football, an AEK Athens supporter has been detained by Greek authorities on suspicion of involvement in the tragic killing of Michalis Kacuris.
The incident, which occurred in August ahead of a Champions League qualifying match, not only claimed the life of Kacuris but also left eight others injured in a violent clash with fans of Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb
The streets of Athens became a battleground when supporters of Dinamo Zagreb reportedly attacked AEK fans, leading to Kacuris's death from excessive bleeding after being stabbed in the forearm. The aftermath of the violence saw Greek justice authorities indict over 100 individuals, with several Croatian nationals among the accused, believed to be members of Dinamo's "Bad Blue Boys" fan group.
The case took a significant turn when the DNA of the knife owner, found at the murder scene, was reportedly identified. The arrested AEK fan, Aristidis Delios, previously sentenced to 12 months in prison for his role in bloody incidents at the Greek Cup final in 2017, has had his involvement in Kacuris's murder categorically denied by his legal representatives.
This arrest marks a pivotal moment in Greek football, highlighting the ongoing battle against hooliganism that continues to plague the sport. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fan violence and the urgent need for heightened security and preventive measures at football matches to ensure the safety of all supporters.