Savvidi – Kominis trial started: “I did not realize the weapon”

His trial began after almost four years Ivan Savvidis for the events in his infamous derby 2018. After continuous postponementsthe process started today in the Single Member Misdemeanor Court of Thessaloniki, with its owner PAOK FC to be accused of invading arming on the field of Toumba stadium.

Apart from the major shareholder of the “black and white” PAE, the then athletic director of “Dikefalos tou Vorras” was referred to trial for the same case. Loubos Michel and six members of the expatriate businessman’s personal bodyguard.

All the accused are absent from the courtroom and are represented by attorneys-at-law. The indictment blames them violations related to the Sports Law.

The general manager of AEK was the first to step on the witness stand, Vassilis Dimitriadiswho said that this match was not a simple game, but it was the match that would decide the championship.

As he mentioned, there was the tension that exists in the derbies, nothing was done inside the field, until in the 89th minute “The phase with the disputed goal».

“Was created intensity. “Initially we protested, then when the goal was canceled, PAOK”he said, referring to his own actions, adding that he tried to act fire extinguishersto soothe the spirits.

Referring to entrance of Ivan Savvidisthe witness testified as follows:

“There was tension and he came in. There were 2-3 people with him, he tried to reach the referee, they said something and left. He said something to me too, but in a gentle style, did not threaten me». Regarding the weapon that the owner of PAOK FC is accused of carrying, the general manager of AEK said that did not notice itas he wore a jacket.

“I did not realize the weapon, I did not feel fear. In the locker room we returned to, the players said they saw it, but at a level “we saw, we heard”, some were not sure. “There was more concern about the fate of the (canceled) goal.”write down.

The former international footballer expressed the view that “Such protests are taking place to all countries»considering that the entry of the major shareholder of PAOK FC «maybe calm down things in the stands “as he added, things could turn out much worse “To make a conflict between the players, to enter fans on the pitch».

The referee of the match was then examined George Kominiswho started his deposition from the point where the decision was made to cancel the goal. “In order for the match to start, the situation had to be normal. I found that there was upheaval on both benches. “We waited for normalcy to return, even if I had to impose disciplinary measures.”

Continuing his testimony, the witness referred to the then sports director of PAOK FC and a former international referee Loubos Michel.

“Michel approached me, I accepted verbal attackhe told me in English “you are finished” (ss. you finished) and made some hand movements. I think this phrase was more football slang, that the decision (cancellation of the goal) will discount my end from arbitration. I was not afraid there at the moment, maybe the adrenaline, maybe my almost 20 years of experience λα I had to be cool in order not to create a deplorable situation “.

Regarding the entrance of Ib. Savvidis, noted that he saw him coming towards him, «perhaps drifting and by Michel “as he said. “He reached a distance of about 7-10 meters to protest. It’s not common, but it happens to let agents enter the stadium “ pointed out, while asked about the weapon, Mr. Kominis answered:

«I did not realize it. I was informed about the weapon by AEK officials. They were showing something on their cell phones, but I did not have the opportunity at that time to cross it»he mentioned characteristically.

Regarding the decision not to continue the match after the teams withdrew to the locker rooms, the witness said that he followed Contact with the organizing authority (Super League) and its managers THE GREEK POLICE.

“We waited a while for ours security and that of the contestants. Maybe the Super League wanted more time, maybe the police wanted more order and security. It could not be guaranteed the police the safe continuation of the fight “.

The evidentiary process continues with the examination of the remaining witnesses of the indictment.

Meanwhile, before the start of the trial, the joint defender of Savvidis and Michel submitted objection of incompetence of the Courtpointing out that the offenses of the Sports Law must be tried by Supreme Court and in this case the Three-Member Misdemeanor Court. The objection however turned down.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ