retired_gutsch

Hi all, travelling to Athens 24th to 26th of this month to watch the mighty Dons take on Panathinaikos. I reckon there might be a number of Greek people on this board, so I figured I'd ask here. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Firstly, how are Greek fans (and more specifically Panathinaikos fans) in terms of welcoming foreign football fans?

Secondly, how easy is it to get from the centre of Athens to Panathinaikos' ground?

Also, where would you recommend we get a hotel? Easy access to the football, and surrounded by bars and restaurants would be ideal.

Thanks in advance.

retired_wwl77

Hello there,

We are good fans, and will welcome you as long as you don't bring any Olympiacos flags as many other Scottish fans (Rangers) did...

Unfortunately we have some trouble with our board and the little stadium of Leoforos might be actually half empty, but if the problems are solved, then I can guarantee you a memorable night...

The pitch is very close to the Athens centre, and close to an underground station, so that means it is practically ten mins away from anywhere.

A good hotel right next to the pitch would be President, or Zafolia, but really any hotel in Athens will do, as it will probably be close to underground or bus...

retired_wwl77

A couple of q's for Aberdeen. What colours do you wear? Are you related with Celtics or do you have a rivalry with them? Cause our emblem is the shamrock and there may be many taunts...

From the Rangers experience three years ago, there was a nice rivalry on the stands, and maybe a couple of bottles, but things were calm.

retired_christinelrivera

I know the panathaniakos are typically the 'Celtic' team of Greece whilst Olympiakos are the 'Rangers' team but it will all be very friendly im sure, Greek people and their fans are very welcoming :thup:

retired_gutsch

Thanks for the reply.

We do play in red and white like Olympiakos, but I don't think there will be any of their flags brought with us. Can't guarantee that though.

I'm guessing Rangers fans probably brought shame on Scotland when they visited Greece. Well Aberdeen fans are better people than them, so you have nothing to worry about.

Really looking forward to visiting the birthplace of democracy, thanks for the info. :thup:

retired_wwl77

Nah the Rangers fans were quite good, we always enjoy a bit of a banter on the stands (although you should expect at least a couple of bottles coming your way, nothing much but it is a kind of tradition).

Also, I will let you know if the problems with the fans will be solved. It will be a pity if you come to Leoforos and it is half-empty, as even against Olympiacos there were only 10.000 fans and it was disappointing.

retired_kaila4337

Shouldn't you be throwing plates, not bottles?

retired_wwl77

Heh... Yup if any Aberdeen fan goes to bouzoukia then he will expect some plates to be thrown

retired_kellynew1212

Did they threaten you to say banter?

retired_gutsch

It's like that every second week at Pittodrie so I wouldn't worry. We'll make our own noise anyway. :cool:

The guy at the AFC ticket office said they'd sold 300 tickets so far. Pity the game isn't being played at Thermopylae.

Anyway, cheers eldiego. :thup: