Yesterday’s cup semi-final between Greek teams Olympiakos and PAOK brought new meaning to the phrase ‘intense rivalry.’ The game was delayed for an hour as the home crowd put on the most intimidating display you’re ever likely to see in a football stadium. 

PAOK fans created a ring of fire from thousands of flares and smoke bombs, which were then thrown at the Olympiakos bench and players, forcing the ref to send the teams back to the dressing rooms until the madness died down. Upon returning, they found their bench covered in fish tossed from the stands – a reference to their team’s nickname ‘gavros’ (anchovies).

PAOK fans put lots of dead fish on the Olympiakos bench today pic.twitter.com/hEY8x2kERZ

— FootballAwaydays (@Awaydays23) April 16, 2014

The match itself was scarcely less bitter, featuring two red cards and sporadic fighting throughout. Then, following the final whistle, home fans invaded the pitch, attempting to attack the Olympiakos players.

All in all, a nice day out!