Ivan Savvidis: “The killers of Alkis have nothing to do with PAOK and its history”

PAOK FC owner Ivan Savvidis, for the first time since killings Alkis, 19, from Thessaloniki, commented on the situation:

“I will continue to work even more intensively, in cooperation with the state, so that the phenomena of fan violence disappear.”

He made a statement yesterday congratulating EL.AS. with a speedy and successful investigation that led to the identification and arrest of “cold, cowardly and heinous criminals”, and calls on everyone to unite to end the phenomenon of violence:

“It’s obvious that killers of Alkis did not and could not have anything to do with PAOK, its history, present and future. They are cold-blooded criminals and that is how they should be treated.”

In a statement, the owner of PAOK notes:

“First of all, I want to thank the Greek police for their reaction in finding and arresting the suspects in the cowardly and heinous murder of 19-year-old Alkis. Greek justice now has the right and ability to punish criminals on merit. As for me, lately I have preferred to remain silent, because I believe that the first reason for it is related to the investigations of the authorities, and not to loud statements. I did not answer even when my family and I accepted, and continue to accept, personal attacks that go beyond any reasonable and human morality. I cannot understand what and whom they serve, and what are the real goals of those who launch them. Personally, I believe that now is not the time for counterattacks, conflicts and comments. It’s time to unite all those who care about the future of our children – governments, sports clubs, actors, athletes – to put an end to violence between fans.

Violence has no color, no group, no nationality. This is reprehensible, no matter where it comes from, and only together can we deal with it. It is clear that the killers of Alkis did not and could not have anything to do with PAOK, its history, present and future. They are cold-blooded criminals, and that is how they should be treated. I will continue to work even more intensively, in cooperation with the state, in order for the phenomena fan violence disappeared.

I would like to hope that the owners and presidents of all PAEs will do the same for the benefit of football, sports and Greek society. I know that this will not bring Alkis back, will not ease the pain of his parents, but will be the best tribute to his memory.”

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