Borac Banja Luka fans detained in Athens following clashes with police

Eleven supporters of the Bosnian football club Borac Banja Luka have been detained by Greek police following an incident in Athens. The clashes occurred near the team's hotel ahead of their UEFA Conference League match against Panathinaikos.

Greek authorities reported that a group of approximately 150 fans caused disturbances, including the use of stones, flares, and iron bars, leading to a confrontation with the DRASI police unit. One police officer was injured during the incident. However, Borac director Dejan Čato disputed the official narrative, claiming that a group of approximately 50 unidentified hooligans initiated the conflict by provoking Borac fans and striking hotel windows with batteries.

Following the altercation, two Borac supporters were reportedly seriously injured by police during attempts to return them to the hotel. The Bosnian ambassador to Greece, Dragan Vuković, confirmed that the detainees are currently in custody awaiting a decision from the Athenian prosecutor regarding their status.

On the pitch, Panathinaikos defeated Borac 2-1 in their Conference League opener, with goals from Cyriel Dessers and Kings Kangwa, while Milos Jojic scored for the visitors.