AEK asks for attention from its fans: “No flares, firecrackers, lasers, helmets are prohibited”

At the meeting on the security measures for tonight’s match against Antwerp, we had the opportunity to see once again the enormous importance and absolute attention that UEFA is paying to this particular match. A “high profile” match in the corresponding classification of the European confederation.

They treat it, as was typically said, as final from the point of view of organizational requirements and above all for its safety and orderly conduct.

As we had the opportunity to see in matches of other teams, the use of lasers and firecrackers created significant problems. Apart from the risk of punishments, they are anything but helping the team whose fans are making use of them. They are helping the opponent and we have to understand that. As we all understood and acted accordingly, in the match against Dinamo. And that’s how we helped our team not to lose its pace and above all to be able to equalize within a few minutes, after reducing the score.

It became clear from UEFA’s point of view that smoke generators, sparklers, firecrackers, lasers are a red line for them and will be dealt with very strictly. We know it anyway, but it is no coincidence that it has been repeated many times and we must again draw attention to it.

The same applies to the absolute necessity that no one is in the corridor during the game and we ask very much for your cooperation with the security of the stadium in this part.

Please come to the OPAP Arena as early as possible and remember that the doors open at 19.00. Do not bring backpacks or bags with you and we also inform you that those with helmets are not allowed to enter. It is an order from those responsible for the observance of security measures.

Once again we emphasize, because it is often a cause of great inconvenience at the entrances, that no child without a ticket can enter the stadium.

The pre-checks will be strict with the participation of EL.AS as we are obliged and without a ticket after 19.00 no one will be able to go beyond them. Just as no one will be able to proceed if they are carrying any of the items we noted above as prohibited.

It is also the first time that the OPAP Arena will also have fans of the away team. Around 350 Antwerp fans will be in the area at gates 46-48 and it goes without saying that none of us are concerned about their presence. All they care about is coming, watching the match, supporting their team and leaving smoothly. As it happened with our presence in the stands of the Antwerp stadium, where there was absolutely no problem from the fans of the home team.

Your team is in dire need. Your support, but also your cooperation so that everything runs smoothly. It has been proven many times that when this happens, competitive success follows, which is, after all, the reason we will be at the stadium at night. The players, as you saw in related videos, ask for your support throughout the match, with patience, composure and always positive thinking.