By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Playing in half-empty stands with just 1800 Ultras of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos – 900 for each team – in the stands was not enough to keep violence out of the Greek cup final in the “neutral” Ellinikon gym. The game started as it was scheduled despite Kyle Hines of Olympiacos getting hit by a flare during the warm-up of the teams. Part of his hair got burned and he also fainted when he got transported to the locker room to receive medical care. He later regained his consciousness and played in the final.
The tension was obvious and the game got interrupted in the 13th minute after fans of both teams started throwing objects on the court. Mike Bramos of Panathinaikos was hit this time and the referees decided to stop the game. Α general riot followed with fans of both teams fighting in the stands and on the court.
The final continued after the evacuation of the stands and the re-check by the police of every accreditated person in the gym. Panathinaikos prevailed with the final score being 81-78.