AEK Athens has been fined 81,625 euros following several disturbances that took place during the match against Ajax. The Amsterdam team, who traveled to Greece two weeks ago for the Europa League fixture with AEK, regularly had laser pointers pointed at them. That offense costs the Greek top club 25,000 euros.
The team from Amsterdam received a penalty before half time. Around that moment it was clearly visible that penalty taker Steven Bergwijn almost turned green because of all the laser pointers aimed at him. However, it did not have the desired effect for the Greek supporters: Bergwijn scored the golden opportunity.
Bergwijn added afterwards ESPN indicated that he ‘actually saw nothing’. “It was difficult. The referee asked if I wanted to take it. I wanted to, because they won’t stop with it anyway. I know where the goal is, so yes,” Bergwijn laughed. “It is what it is. You don’t do anything about it, so you just have to deal with it. Fortunately, it went well.”
Asked whether the referee should actually tell the teams to go inside, Bergwijn acknowledged that that could be an option. “It could be possible. That’s not up to me. As it stands now, I just have to deal with it. It certainly doesn’t belong in football. Maybe it’s something for FIFA or I don’t know who to talk to about it.”
The laser pointers were the biggest topic of discussion after the Europa League match, although the Greek fans also misbehaved by lighting fireworks, throwing objects on the pitch and blocking the stairs. These offenses have also been fined and are in addition to the penalty for the use of laser pointers. This brings the total amount to 81,625 euros.
Ajax coach Maurice Steijn also commented afterwards about the laser pointers. “I really hope this is addressed,” the coach said. “I have seen them shine on me, on my goalkeeper, on my penalty taker and even on our audience. I think this is not possible and that action must be taken by that club or UEFA.”
In the same stadium, the OPAP Arena, the Dutch national team played the crucial European Championship qualifying match with Greece on Monday. Laser pens were also eagerly brought out in the stands during international matches. This was clearly visible when Virgil van Dijk took a penalty just before the end. The the Dutch captain was bombarded by the laser pointers, but just like Bergwijn earlier this month, he scored the penalty. The Dutch team won 0-1, while Ajax had to settle for a point due to a late goal from AEK.