A group of PAOK Saloniki fans wanted to cheer on their team in Lyon—then disaster struck. Seven fans were killed in a traffic accident on their way to France. To the dismay of PAOK fans, UEFA has refused to cancel the match.
Seven fans of Greek soccer club PAOK Saloniki were killed in a serious traffic accident in Romania. The young Greeks were on their way to the Europa League match between Olympique Lyon and PAOK, which is scheduled to take place in Lyon on Thursday, according to Greek radio, citing the Foreign Ministry.
Minibus destroyed after risky overtaking maneuver
Video footage from Greek television shows the PAOK fans’ minibus colliding head-on with a truck after an overtaking maneuver. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the impact. The accident occurred near the western Romanian city of Timisoara.
“An unbelievable tragedy has knocked on our door today. I am deeply shaken by the unjust loss of young people, fans of our beloved team, who traveled to support our PAOK,” said PAOK owner Ivan Savvidis on the club’s website.
Head of state expresses condolences
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his deepest sympathy to the families. “I was deeply shocked to learn of the tragic accident in Romania in which seven young compatriots lost their lives,” he wrote on Facebook. He emphasized that the Greek embassy was in close contact with the local authorities and would provide all possible support.
UEFA insists on playing the game
Meanwhile, the PAOK board informed UEFA about the accident. Greek media reported that it was initially unclear whether the game in Lyon on Thursday could take place. However, UEFA nipped any talk of canceling the game in the bud and assured that the game would go ahead as planned. Nevertheless, hundreds of PAOK fans have canceled their trips to Lyon. Others who were already on their way returned out of solidarity and in protest against the decision not to cancel the game. As a result, the visitors’ section at Groupama Stadium will remain empty. Lyon leads the Europa League table ahead of the final matchday, with PAOK in twelfth place.
According to information from the fan clubs to which the victims belonged, the fans had deliberately chosen a long detour from Thessaloniki via Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, and Italy to France. The aim was to travel exclusively through EU countries and avoid border controls along the Balkan route, reporters from Thessaloniki reported.
UEFA also issued a mini-statement on its social media channels on Tuesday evening: “We stand with the PAOK family at this time of mourning. Our sincere condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic accident.”