Athens police will used paintball guns on troublemakers

May 22 2007 by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

GREEK police will fire paint balls at hooligans if trouble breaks out between rival fans in Athens.

Security plans have been drawn up for what the local authorities are describing as the country’s highest profile football match.

Police announced they would fire paintball pellets to identify fighting thugs.

Police spokesman Panagiotis Stathis said: “The paintball guns will be one weapon the riot police will use.

“They have the double aim of stopping trouble, because they are quite painful as well as marking violent fans.”

Any fan covered with paint from a police gun, and not arrested immed-iately, could then be identified and detained later.

Mr Stathis said paintball guns would be used only in large open spaces such as squares and major roads.

If needed, it will be the first time such weapons have been used by Greek security forces.

Around 50,000 Italian and English fans, many without tickets, are expected in Athens.

But last night, bars surrounding Syntagma and Omonoia squares saw fans mixing freely and swopping scarves.

Although the bulk of Liverpool’s fans were not expected in the Greek capital until later today and tomorrow, there were thousands already in Athens yesterday.

The sight of supporters carrying notices appealing for tickets was commonplace.

Greek police charged a mathematics teacher with profiteering after he was caught selling final tickets at 25 times face value.