Tight security measures are in place in Athens for Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final between Olympiacos and Fiorentina at the OPAP Arena in the northern Athens suburb of Nea Filadelfia.
This is the first time Greek giants Olympiacos have secured a place in a European final that also happens to take place in their Greek rival’s AEK football ground. Thousands of Italian fans are also expected to arrive in Athens on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Hellenic Police completed a thorough check of the OPAP Arena. According to the police, the stadium was inspected thoroughly by all the security services, including bomb disposal experts using specially trained dogs.
Meanwhile, a security perimeter has been fully set up and physically inspected, while all emergency exits have been checked and secured. In addition, various tests of the stadium’s operation were carried out, always under police supervision.
On the day of the match, 120 volunteer rescuers will be at the stadium, and, for the first time, a special unit of firefighters on foot will be stationed inside the grounds, specifically at every gate and at every stand.
According to police sources, even if something falls onto the field – for example, a firecracker – the firefighters will be able to quickly remove it on the spot, without any problems.
According to sources, organizers have also secured the hospitals to be used for any possible transfer of patients.
Athens commuters face a tough day due to security for the final
Commuters in the Greek capital are in for another day of upheaval on Wednesday. According to a police announcement on Tuesday, the operation will affect service on Line 1 of the Athens metro (also known as the ISAP electrical railway) as fans of local side Olympiacos are ferried to the stadium from their designated muster point.
Supporters of the Piraeus club have been told to gather at 6 p.m. at the Peace and Friend Stadium in Neo Faliro so they can be escorted to the train and pass security checks. Many are expected to also use the train to get to Neo Faliro on Wednesday afternoon.
Fans of Fiorentina from Italy will be ferried by specially chartered buses to Nea Filadelfia from the OAKA Olympic Stadium in Maroussi, with street closures expected along the way.
Roads will also be closed as the teams travel to and from the stadium. Kickoff is at 10 p.m.
Wednesday’s measures come after northern Athens found itself gridlocked on Monday afternoon by thousands of Panathinaikos fans who had gathered at the airport and at OAKA to welcome the team as it returned from Berlin carrying its seventh Euroleague basketball cup.
The city center had also been shut down on Sunday night by Panathinaikos fans celebrating their team’s victory.