- Greek captain Tasos Bakasetas has criticized parts of the Greek media
- Bakasetas insists Greece’s match against England should not have been played
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Greek captain Tasos Bakasetas has criticized parts of the Greek media for ‘telling lies’ about the death of George Baldock.
Bakasetas was also a clubmate of Baldock at Panathinaikos and emphasized that the match against England should not have been played on Thursday evening.
Tributes were paid to Baldock at Wembley after the former Sheffield United and Greece defender passed away at the age of 31.
Greece won 2-1 against England, with Bakasetas dedicating the victory to Baldock.
Bakasetas was unhappy with the way some reporters in the Greek media reported Baldock’s death.
Tasos Bakasetas criticized parts of the Greek media for ‘telling lies’ about the death of George Baldock
Greek captain Bakasetas emphasizes that the match against England should not have been played
As reported by The mirrorBakasetas said: “I consider it the most important victory of my life. And I’m really proud. With these children we share the dressing room of the national team, we are in the stadium, because today everyone gave their lives from the first minute despite the tragic news.
“This is where I think there comes a point when it comes to football. Of course, I would like to dedicate this victory to George, to his family, to send them our strength and make us do everything we could.
‘Moreover, it is a shame that some of your colleagues, I won’t say everything because there are some who do their job exceptionally well, have taken advantage of this tragedy by writing and telling jokes, leaving innuendo.
‘This has to stop, because above all else and everyone you have to be human. Some did not understand this and it is really a shame what we saw before the match.’
“They disrespected George’s family first and foremost and then all of us who interacted with them.”
Bakasetas expressed his belief that the match at Wembley should not have gone ahead.
Bakasetas said: “The game should never have been played under the circumstances. It’s a shame that some of your colleagues are trying to profit from such a tragedy by saying nasty things about George and his family. Let’s be human in these moments. Not everyone was on that wavelength. They should be ashamed. They must respect the child, his family and us. We can’t talk about football.’
Bakasetas was also teammates with Baldock at club level for Panathinaikos
Tributes were paid to Baldock on an emotional evening at Wembley on Thursday
Vangelis Pavlidis honored Baldock after scoring Greece’s first goal against England
Before the match at Wembley, Bakaseta gave an emotional speech in the dressing room, which he dedicated to Baldock.
Baldock, who was capped 12 times by Greece, was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens.
Bakaseta told his Greek teammates: “We know very well what a team we are and what we have achieved to get here.
‘We have nothing to fear from anyone and we will show that from the first minute. We know the specificity of the game, many of us know what George means.
“George has always been an example for the team, giving his soul, putting the team above all else and even sacrificing his physical integrity.
‘Today in the match will be our example. Each of us will sacrifice ourselves to honor him as he deserves. Let’s all be ready.’
Vangelis Pavlidis kissed his black armband in tribute to Baldock after scoring his first goal against England.
Pavlidis also scored a late winner as Greece secured a shock victory.