Key suspect remanded

A prime suspect in the homicide case of a police officer during fan riots in Athens last December was remanded in custody upon his surrender to the authorities. The 36-year-old suspect, known as “the Shark,” has a prominent position within the Gate 7 ultras fan club associated with Olympiakos. He turned himself in on Friday, accompanied by his legal representative. The 31-year-old officer Giorgos Lygeridis died after being struck by a naval flare outside a stadium in Rentis during a volleyball match. Forensic analysis of a sample obtained from the suspect revealed particles consistent with those found on a flare’s casing. Additionally, gunshot residue particles were detected on his hands. Another suspect, known as “the Romanian,” is still at large.

Ataman pledge.

Panathinaikos’ Turkish basketball coach Ergin Ataman has vowed to stay at the club for many years to come. In his first season at the club, Ataman, who has won the EuroLeague championship twice with Turkish club Efes, has led the Greek side to the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time in 12 years, while it remains in contention for the Greek title as well. “There has already been a great bond between the chairman, the club and all of us in the team, and now I think I will stay here for many years,” he told reporters. Ataman had said at the beginning of the playoffs against Israeli team Maccabi that if Panathinaikos did not make the Final Four he would leave the club. “I said that I will leave if we are eliminated, to motivate my players. I think I did it, but the truth is that I was very disappointed after losing the first match against Maccabi,” he stressed.