Greek Hooligans Jailed Under New Law

[Beckhams]

Two soccer fans were sentenced to 10 months in prison Thursday � the first convictions under a new law aimed at combating widespread soccer-related violence.

The Greek man and woman were arrested on Oct. 23 during clashes between supporters of AEK Athens and Panathinaikos, when at least 10 people were injured at the Olympic Stadium.

The pair was also fined €300 (US$385) each after being convicted of public disturbance offenses.

The new law, which was passed a few months ago, gives judges greater powers during sentencing, allowing them to avoid suspended sentences, which are common for minor offenses.

The Greek league has been troubled by frequent violence this season, including clashes at soccer stadiums and attacks by chain-wielding motorcycle gangs against supporters' clubs.

Olympiakos leads the 16-team standings with 21 points, two ahead of Panathinaikos and three more than third-place AEK.

[Basque Boy]

It's about time governments all over Europe got serious. Well done!

[Panathenian_fan]

It was time. After so many violence, knife fights, shop and car burnings, fuel bomb fights, injuries and even some deaths, these are the first hooligans who go to jail in Greece.

[shevchenko]

they should have initiated this 'law' a long time ago...i guess it got to a breaking point...

[AEK Man]

Here here. Well done to the Greeks here. Demis has stood up to his own idiotic thugs too. Well done.