BSS
  11 Aug 2023, 10:10

Seven Romanians arrested for arms possession ahead of European game

 ATHENS, Aug 11, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Seven Romanians were arrested on the border between Greece and Bulgaria for weapons possession on Thursday as police continued to probe the fatal stabbing of a Greek football fan, officials said.

The Greek fan was stabbed to death on the outskirts of Athens on Tuesday during a brawl between rival club supporters before a Champions League qualifying round match between AEK Athens and Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.

"Seven foreigners have been arrested for breaking the law on possession of weapons," a police statement read.

They were found in possession of "two knives, a Swiss army knife, a full-face mask, boxing equipment, a jersey and a scarf bearing the logo of a foreign sports club", police said.

Police sources said the seven, who are all Romanian, had been on their way to attend Thursday's Europa League qualifying match between Greek club Olympiakos and Belgian side Genk.

Police have already arrested 105 people, including 94 Croats, suspected of being linked to the Bad Blue Boys, an ultras hooligan group which supports Dinamo Zagreb.

Those arrested are due to appear in court starting on Friday.