The news of the organized attack by soccer fans that took place on the evening of Monday, June 30, 2026, in Northern Euboea is appalling. A family returning from an AEK celebration event was the target of a cowardly ambush by four Olympiacos fans, who did not hesitate to attack the family’s vehicle, putting a father and his 12-year-old daughter in immediate danger.
A Chronology of the Attack
The family, traveling in their car on the Istiaia-Rovia country road, suddenly found themselves confronted by a group of four young men. The perpetrators, who had set up an ambush for passing vehicles, managed to overtake the victims’ car with their own vehicle and forcibly bring it to a stop.
The four assailants got out of their vehicle and began furiously striking the family's car, causing property damage.
They demanded that the father hand over an AEK banner, which they mistakenly believed was inside the car. Amid the commotion, the father was punched in the eye, while his 12-year-old daughter, who was sitting in the back seat, experienced moments of terror from the unprovoked attack.
Despite the shock and his injuries, the father managed to keep his composure, maneuver his way out of the area, and escape, immediately alerting the police.
The arrest and the perpetrators' extensive criminal history
The Greek Police responded immediately. Units from the 3rd Special Operations Unit of the Istiaia Police Department located the suspects’ vehicle in Central Euboea and, with the assistance of the Special Operations Division, proceeded to arrest the four individuals (three Greek nationals and one foreign national).
During the search of the vehicle and the arrest of the suspects, the following items were found:
Two folding knives.
Clothing featuring sports team logos.
Four cell phones.
Two of the four suspects are already implicated in the case involving the murder of police officer Giorgos Lyggeridis, which shocked the entire country in December 2023. The fact that individuals with such a long history of fan violence were at large and participated in a new criminal act against a minor raises serious questions.
The Charges and the Legal Process
The arrested individuals were taken to the Chalkida First Instance Prosecutor’s Office. They face serious charges, including:
Formation of a gang.
Causing serious bodily injury.
Damage to another person's property.
Violations of sports and firearms laws.
The case remains under investigation by the Chalkida Criminal Investigation Division, with the public expecting a firm response to such acts of brutal violence that even affect children.
