Three of the 8 PAOK fans were released after they apologized for the attack on four of Aris’ friends, among whom was a 20-year-old who suffered serious injuries and remained in a coma for 8 days.

The incident was recorded in the summer of 2019, in one of the most central parts of Thessaloniki, near Kamara. The first of the accused who pleaded guilty today was released without any conditions.

The second and the third were banned from leaving the country, appearing at a police station, while one of the two was also given a 3000 euro cash guarantee. All denied the charges and claimed they were in the area but did not know about or participate in the attack.

The remaining 5 defendants are expected to plead guilty in the coming days. The 8 are being prosecuted for: Grievous bodily harm, by complicity. Contributory and consecutive dangerous bodily harm. Disturbing the public peace. Unlawful violence, serial, committed and attempted. Deterioration of foreign property. Possession and use of objects that may cause bodily harm.

The above offenses are reported not to be linked to a specific sporting event but have a clear sporting reference and a sporting background which goes back to rivalry between fans of sports teams.

In addition, they are accused of carrying weapons and using weapons. The accused, aged 19 to 26, are said to have been part of a group of strangers who attacked the four victims – a 21-year-old, two 19-year-old twin brothers, and a 20-year-old.

According to the indictment, on July 25, 2019, the four Aris fans, after watching their team’s soccer match with AEL Limassol, held as part of the Europa League, left the “Kleanthis Vikelidis” stadium, getting into a passenger car car. The sufferers were targeted because they wore yellow shirts with the insignia of Mars.

After the attack, the 20-year-old was diagnosed with a brain injury and immediately underwent surgery, remaining intubated, in a coma and under mechanical support, in the Intensive Care Unit, until August 2, for 8 days. Another 19-year-old man was injured in the hand while the perpetrators caused damage to the vehicle in which they were riding.

Almost 20 minutes before the attack, at least 12 people were seen approaching the spot where the attack later took place and making suspicious movements.

According to the police, among them were the 8 defendants who either actively participated in the beating of the four Martians or supervised the area, providing assistance to the perpetrators of the attack. The people involved are fans of PAOK and frequented the office of SF “Thyra 4”, according to the police.