PAOK Expresses Heartfelt Thanks to OL
In an unexpected turn of events, the Olympique Lyonnais (OL) hosted PAOK Thessaloniki on Thursday at the Groupama Stadium without any Greek supporters. This decision followed a tragic accident that claimed the lives of seven PAOK fans en route to the match.
Tragic Incident Leads to Drastic Measures
Originally, up to 3,000 Greek fans were expected to attend the Europa League fixture. However, the somber circumstances prompted PAOK to take necessary precautions to honor the victims. They urged their supporters to refrain from traveling to Lyon.
PAOK’s Message of Gratitude
In a public statement, PAOK expressed heartfelt thanks to Olympique Lyonnais and French authorities for their support during this tragic time. They emphasized the importance of maintaining respect throughout the event and urged all attendees to adhere to the rules set forth by law enforcement.
- Seven PAOK fans lost their lives in the accident.
- PAOK confirmed the closure of their designated visitor section.
- Fans were advised not to display PAOK colors at the stadium.
Moments of Remembrance
In honor of the deceased, OL has planned a minute of silence prior to the match. A commemorative banner will be displayed in the stands, further recognizing the sorrow of the victims’ families.
Both clubs are working together to ensure that the game remains a respectful tribute, highlighting the solidarity within the football community during difficult times. Such cooperation reflects the profound impact of this tragedy on fans and clubs alike.
