Liverpool fans the perfect guests – that’s what the mayor of Athens told Uefa

Jun 5 2007 by Jessica Shaughnessy, Liverpool Daily Post

THEY were branded the worst fans in Europe by UEFA, but still managed to make a positive impression in Athens.

The uproar caused by trouble at the Olympic Stadium has run on and on, but in Greece it is all forgotten. Athenians yesterday told the Daily Post that, apart from the amount of litter that they left behind, Liverpudlians were perfect guests.

A presenter at the city’s International Radio Station, who did not want to be named, said: “What happened on the night is not important to the people in Athens. It didn’t affect them.

“The fans were in Athens in the days running up to the game and there was no trouble. They were very welcome. They made a spectacle in Syntagma Square and many of the locals enjoy-ed having them there.

“They certainly didn't cause any problems.”

Nikitas Kaklamanis, the mayor of Athens, was not available to comment but a source close to him told the Daily Post that he was so impressed by Liverpool fans he praised them in a speech to UEFA officials at a dinner the night before the game.