A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old PAOK football supporter in the Kalamaria district of Thessaloniki, a case that has shocked the city and reignited discussions around football-related violence in Greece.
The suspect reportedly admitted to the murder, and prosecutors have charged him with intentional homicide as well as illegal possession and use of a weapon. The 23-year-old allegedly stabbed the victim during a dispute in the area late on Thursday night, and the victim collapsed a short distance from the scene and later died from his injuries.
Since the killing, the pavement where the victim collapsed has turned into a small memorial as friends, residents, and passers-by have been leaving candles, flowers, and personal items as tributes. Black-and-white PAOK shirts and scarves have also been placed at the site, while dozens of red candles burn in a sombre display of mourning.
The accused remains in police custody after appearing before the prosecutor and requesting more time to prepare his defence. His formal testimony is set for Tuesday before an investigating magistrate. Prosecutors have also charged two friends of the victim who were present during the incident with aggravated dangerous bodily harm and possession of objects capable of causing injury under Greece's sports violence law. The two men reportedly fled the scene but have indicated their intention to surrender to the police.
Sources cited by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency said the case appears to be related to football fan violence, possibly linked to rivalries among supporters. Meanwhile, authorities have ruled out any link between the killing and a separate recent police investigation involving self-described "vigilantes targeting paedophiles," in which the victim's name had reportedly appeared.
The victim, identified as Kleomenis, was a supporter of the Thessaloniki club PAOK. His family's lawyer, Nikos Alexandris, issued a statement emphasising the brutality of the attack and calling for justice. "The perpetrator cut [the victim's] life short with direct intent and targeted stabs to his vitals," he said.
The lawyer urged the public to support the victim's family, suggesting the investigation may broaden in the coming days. He said extensive evidence will be submitted to the investigating magistrate that will "shed light not only on all aspects of this barbaric murder, but also on the role of specific individuals in the city of Thessaloniki".
