Referee Dimitris Kalopoulos announced on Monday he would give away his payment for officiating the derby to charities, so it's alright now.
The Culture and Sports Ministry announced on Monday new tough measures as of next month to combat violence, so it will be alright then.
Sowing the seeds of violence and hatred with his actions is what Marinakis should apologise for, not the words he said. Work tentatively toward averting the repetition of events such as those of Karaiskaki Stadium is what he has to do, not issue face-saving statements.
The government avoided to condemn the incidents of last Saturday, opting instead for a milder "we are disheartened" statement by spokesman Giorgos Petalotis, while announcing for the umpteenth time the toughening up of the legislation as far as sports-related violence is concerned. The problem is not in the existence of laws but in their enforcement.
As for the referee, he and his assistants will need to explain why Greek officials are so good when officiating international games and when it comes to domestic games they make a mess. Notably, both his assistants on the night, Spyridon Tryfon and Dimitris Saraidaris, have international experience.
This is no time for crocodile tears. Greek sports has had enough of them to water the fields of all Thessaly. What is needed is swift action so as to take those responsible for any crimes or misdemeanors committed to justice and to avert any fresh fatalities, a prospect that seems increasingly likely.
By George Georgakopoulos
source: SPORTINGREECE