New reports from Greece have highlighted a controversy involving Răzvan Lucescu, the Romanian coach of PAOK Thessaloniki, after his team’s 1-1 draw with their fierce rivals, AEK Athens. The match concluded in a charged atmosphere, and Lucescu’s actions have been detailed in a police report, which accuses him of spitting at AEK player Erik Lamela during the altercation.
Incident and Disciplinary Investigation
The incident has led to an investigation by both the Greek police and the Disciplinary Committee of the Greek Football Federation. If found guilty, Lucescu could face a 15-day suspension. The controversy began when Lucescu made gestures towards AEK fans, which sparked tensions that escalated into a conflict with Lamela, a former player of Tottenham Hotspur, Sevilla, and AS Roma.
According to reports from gazzetta.gr, the altercation intensified after Lamela allegedly threw a roll of medical tape towards Lucescu. In response, the Romanian coach is said to have spat at the Argentine player. The police report also highlighted that a member of PAOK’s staff acted in a threatening manner towards AEK officials, prompting law enforcement to intervene to defuse the situation.
Răzvan Lucescu’s Comments at the Press Conference
Following the match, Răzvan Lucescu addressed the media and referred back to a highly controversial incident that took place in 2018. In that decisive match for the league title between PAOK and AEK, PAOK had a goal disallowed, leading to chaos when the club’s owner, Ivan Savvidis, stormed onto the field carrying a gun. The match was abandoned, and PAOK subsequently lost by forfeit.
At the press conference, Lucescu expressed his enduring frustration over the events from that season, stating:
“It is always difficult to play at this stadium against a strong and capable team. We were well-prepared mentally, and AEK did not create many chances; the game was balanced. We showed personality.
This is how my passion for my work looks. This is who I am, and this is how I defend my team. In 2018, a championship was stolen from us. In my heart, I will never forget what happened in 2018. It will always be there, and I have no further comments on it.”
Lucescu’s reference to the past indicates that the tensions between PAOK and AEK are not just about a single match but part of a long-standing rivalry marked by controversial incidents.
The ongoing investigation and possible disciplinary actions against Răzvan Lucescu are likely to keep the spotlight on this case in the coming weeks. The incident underscores the fierce rivalry between PAOK and AEK Athens, where emotions often run high both on and off the pitch. How the Greek Football Federation and the authorities handle this situation will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for dealing with such confrontations in the future.