FAI confirms it will review safety 'issues' after Irish fans locked out in Athens

Chaos prior to kick-off at OPAP arena as travelling supporters missed the opening of Ireland's 2-1 defeat to Greece 

LOCKED OUT: Irish fans entering the OPAP Arena. Pic: Andrew Horgan

There was an unpleasant atmosphere outside the OPAP Arena in the lead up to Ireland's Euro '24 qualifier against Greece as hundreds of Irish fans were locked out of the Athens venue.

Afterwards, in the wake of Ireland's dispiriting 2-1 defeat to the hosts, the FAI confirmed that it will be reviewing what was behind the pre-match issues.  

It is understood that the authorities in Athens were slow to let the away fans in as they had arrived in large numbers at once, opening just a limited number of turnstiles as the match kicked off. 

Irish fans speak to Greek authorities. Pic: Andrew Horgan

While the away section was sold-out, TV images showed the empty seats that should have been occupied by the Irish fans trapped outside.

Fan accounts of the situation outside the venue have made for ugly reading and viewing with fear and anger rife in the scramble to get into the ground.

One Irish fan, having making his way through the turnstile and into the away end, said: "That was Hillsborough waiting to happen."
The FAI released a statement late Friday night confirming it was aware of the problems and will be 'reviewing' the issues with Greek and European football bodies. 

"The Football Association of Ireland is aware of the issues facing Ireland fans entering the stadium ahead of tonight’s UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match against Greece at the Opap Arena in Athens," the statement read. 

"The FAI engaged with officials of the Greek Federation before the start of the match and action was taken at that point to address the issues being faced.

"The FAI is reviewing those access issues with the Greek Federation and UEFA, as the safety of our fans will always be of the utmost importance."

Only thing that prevented a major crush is that they randomly decided to open a gate. I’m in the away end now and never scanned my ticket. https://t.co/yGVcd7A0d4

— Andrew Horgan (@AndrewHorgan) June 16, 2023

The travelling Irish fans were eventually left into the stadium with the game over five minutes old.