(29 May 2024)
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Athens, Greece – 29 May 2024
1. Various of AEK arena where the Europa Conference League final between Olympiakos and Fiorentina is to take place
2. Man on balcony
3. Various of police securing the area around AEK arena
4. Helicopter
5. People outside arena
6. SOUNDBITE (Greek) Yannis, last name not given, local resident:
"The (police security) measures are strict. The whole town is dead. I believe we should have a quiet game, and there will be no incidents. That and nothing else."
7. Various of signs and cordons
8. Various of police securing the area and blocking traffic around AEK arena
9. Close-up of sign reading (English) "UEFA Europa Conference League Athens final 2024"
10. SOUNDBITE (Greek) Yannis, last name not given, local resident:
"(I wish it) to be a quiet game. I believe that the fans of Olympiakos should respect the town, not to have any incidents. It is a great event and above all for Greece, let’s say, a Greek team is playing."
11. Various of the area around AEK arena
STORYLINE:
Police on Wednesday blocked the area around a stadium in Athens where the Europa Conference League final between Olympiakos and Fiorentina is due to take place later in the day.
A massive security operation is underway around the AEK Arena where Olympiakos is battling for its first European trophy, facing last year’s finalist Fiorentina.
More than 3,000 police officers will be on duty for Wednesday’s game, with the stadium surrounded by concentric security cordons that will halt traffic, close local schools and even ban food deliveries north of the Greek capital.
Greece’s government decided on the heavy policing measures for the final following a domestic shake-up and ahead of a security-minded summer with the June 14-July 14 European soccer championship in Germany and July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Olympics.
After a disappointing domestic season, Olympiakos has a home advantage and momentum in the third-tier European competition after knocking out Fenerbahce and Aston Villa.
Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi is the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals, driving the Greeks’ success along with coach Jose Luis Mendilibar who engineered Sevilla’s winning Europa League campaign last season.
Top-flight soccer venues in Greece were closed for two months earlier this season as electronic ticketing and other new security measures were introduced.
The Greek Cup Final was held at the weekend without fans due to concerns about potential violence but the game came to a chaotic end after Panathinaikos edged Aris 1-0 with an injury-time goal.
Police intervened to shield French referee Stephanie Frappart as she was escorted off the field while being confronted by Aris players and club officials.
AP Video shot by Lefteris Pitarakis
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