Greek referees refuse to officiate Super League matches over safety concerns

Greek referees and match officials on Tuesday announced they would not officiate any Super League matches starting from the weekend in protest at what they say are dangerous working conditions.

Greek football has been marred by crowd trouble as well allegations of corruption and match-fixing that have fanned discontent and have seen attendances dwindle.

Referees in Greece are often the target of violent attacks by fans and some have also had their homes and vehicles torched. Last month Athens referee Andreas Gamaris had his shop firebombed.

Only days ago, another referee, Tasos Papapetrou, allegedly received death threats having officiated a Super League game days earlier.

"In the past years Greek and foreign referees… have been a permanent target, a punching bag and a scapegoat in shifting responsibilities," Super League referees said in a letter to the...