Greek topflight derby and top-of-the-table clash between AEK Athens and POAK descended into a full-blown brawl on Monday, April 29. MySportDab reports.
The players, officials, and coaching crew were caught in a bitter exchange that spilled into a scaled fight and chaos.
The incident which occurred immediately after the final whistle was reportedly instigated by AEK Athens manager Matias Almeyda.
While what actually prompted the faceoff is yet unclear, it is believed Almeyda was incensed by his side’s 3-2 loss to the rivals after the final whistle.
The AEK Athens boss was seen shoving his own player, Sergio Araujo, before taking after a number of opponent players and their coaching staff.
Almeyda’s fury paved the way for a full-blown fallout and chaos as POAK’s players and officials attempted to stop him, all to no avail.
He was then seen grabbing another player by the neck. The chaotic and unsavory scene attracted the attention of other players and officials who rushed to the scene, further stoking the flames of conflict.
Είναι αυτή εικόνα επαγγελματία προπονητή; Τραγικός Αλμέιδα. Μεντιλίμπαρ σε ευχαριστώ, πρώτα απ' όλα για το ήθος σου. #OlympiacosFC pic.twitter.com/YSR58mFN5D
— Eric Clafton (@Tsarumon1) April 28, 2024
Security officials in the stadium were then forced to step in and try to restore calm a few minutes later.
When asked about the incident in post-match press conference, Almeyda attributed his furious reaction to the disrespect and injustice he felt during and after the match.
According to him, he was pushed after the game leading to his retaliation and then the fallout.
“I respect the world, and so I wanted to be respected too. I was pushed after the match by an opponent, and then I reacted,” Almeyda said.
Greek outlets report Almeyda will face a three-match ban if found guilty by the Greek FA due to the incident.
AEK Athens’ defeat saw the team lose the top spot on the Greek Super League table to POAK, who are now leading by a point with 60 points.
