A basketball game between Hapoel Jerusalem and AEK Athens Wednesday in the Greek capital descended into chaos when local fans burned an Israeli flag, launched fireworks and threw rocks at Israeli fans.
Images showed a banner hung on the stands with the text “The capital of Palestine is Jerusalem,” referencing the historic dispute between Israel and the Palestinians over the holy city.
An official from Hapoel Jerusalem told Channel 12 news that some fans were lightly injured during the incident. The game was paused briefly due to the fireworks, and police did not allow fans to leave the arena.
“There is unprecedented chaos and a failure of security here,” the official said.
Fans said they were intimidated by the officers, who were aggressive toward them. Some of those in attendance told the Kan public broadcaster that police made no effort to arrest the rioters.
