AEK in the world: “The use of lasers and firecrackers helps the enemy, smoke bombs and flares are a red line”

A few hours before AEK’s second game against Antwerp (08/30, 10:00 p.m., COSMOTE Sport 2, MEGA and Live Sportish) in the OPAP Arena for the Champions League playoffs, the Union published a statement in which they said their fans were too big Caution urged and repeat the behavior he had at Dinamo Zagreb.

At the same time, he pointed out that UEFA would not be “satisfied” with that use of lasers, fireworks, smoke generators and sparklers.

Announcement from AEK:

“Friends of AEK.

When discussing the security measures for today’s game against Antwerp, we had the opportunity to see once again the enormous importance and absolute attention UEFA is giving to this special game. A “high profile” game in the appropriate classification of the European Confederation.

They consider it final, as has been commonly said, from an organizational point of view and above all in terms of its security and regularity.

As we have seen in other teams’ matches, the use of lasers and firecrackers caused significant problems. Aside from the threat of penalties, they are anything but a help to the team whose fans use them. They help the opponent and we have to understand that. As we all understood and acted accordingly in the Dinamo game. And that’s how we helped our team not to lose their rhythm and, above all, to be able to equalize within a few minutes after a reduction.

From UEFA’s point of view, it became clear that smoke generators, sparklers, firecrackers and lasers represent a red line for them and are punished very severely. We know it anyway, but it’s no coincidence that it’s been repeated many times and we need to draw attention to it again.

The same goes for the absolute necessity of keeping no one in the corridor during the match and we sincerely ask for your cooperation with stadium security on this part.

Please come to the OPAP Arena as early as possible and remember that the doors open at 7pm. Do not bring backpacks or bags and we would also like to point out that people wearing helmets are not allowed in. It is an order issued by those responsible for compliance with security measures.

Since there is often a lot of inconvenience at the entrances, we would like to emphasize once again that no child is allowed into the stadium without a ticket.

The pre-checks will be strict with the participation of EL.AS, as we are obliged to do so and after 7:00 p.m. no one can proceed without a ticket. Likewise, no one may proceed further if they are carrying any of the items listed as prohibited above.

It is also the first time that the OPAP Arena has fans of the away team as well. Around 350 Antwerp fans will be in the area by gates 46-48 and it goes without saying none of us are worried about their presence. For them, it’s all about coming, watching the game, supporting their team and leaving smoothly. This also applies to our presence in the stands of the Antwerp stadium, where there were no problems from the home team’s fans.

Your team is in dire need. Your support, but also your cooperation, so that everything runs smoothly. It has been proven many times that this results in a competitive success, which is ultimately also the reason why we are in the stadium at night. As you have seen in dedicated videos, throughout the game, players ask for your support, with patience, serenity and always positive thinking.

You believed in it to the end at Dinamo and helped make it happen. With your exemplary behavior you enabled the team to use every opportunity on the pitch to turn the situation around and they succeeded. We are sure that the same will happen tonight. All together for the big qualification, all together to protect the team.”