- Olympiacos, which Marinakis also owns, has issued an inflammatory statement
- The Greek club claims the accusations are part of a blackmail attempt
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Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is being investigated in connection with crimes including ‘supporting a criminal organization and incitement to sports-related violence’.
Olympiacos, which Marinakis also owns, released an explosive statement in response to the measure, claiming it is a blackmail attempt by “those operating under parastatal conditions in the country’s public life.”
Marinakis is being investigated in Greece for alleged crimes, along with a number of Greek club officials in connection with an investigation into a criminal organization within football linked to the murder of a police officer last year, according to reports in Greece .
Each has been summoned to appear before the investigating judge next Tuesday, but can request a postponement to prepare a defense. The investigating judge will assess whether the accusations are justified.
Dozens of people, including key members of Olympiacos fan group Gate 7, have been arrested ahead of a trial following the death of officer Giorgos Lyggeridis, who was shot in the thigh and killed when violence flared during a volleyball match between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in Athens. .
In a statement, Olympiacos said the alleged crimes are “a new attempt to blackmail Olympiacos into bending both the Olympiacos family and its president himself.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been charged with criminal offences
The charges concern ‘supporting a criminal organization and incitement to sports-related violence’
Marinakis-owned Olympiacos has issued an explosive statement claiming it is a blackmail attempt by ‘those operating under parastatal conditions in the country’s public life’
“This development came as a continuation of the unjust mass attack on our followers as a criminal organization,” they added.
‘Even the most naive person can understand that the chosen time is not arbitrary. This method has political characteristics and unfortunately uses the Justice itself as an instrument.
“Those who operate under parastatal conditions in the country’s public life are responsible for this mess.
“The president of PAE Olympiacos and the Olympiacos family have a clear conscience, they are not blackmailed, they do not bow down.”