Strict police measures in place ahead of Maccabi game in Athens / News - Basketnews.com

Maccabi Tel Aviv's game against Panathinaikos at OAKA has mobilized the Greek police, which deployed several vehicles and numerous officers to make sure the Israeli delegation has a safe stay.

Credit:

Greek police have provided special security measures for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's arrival in Athens ahead of the EuroLeague match against Panathinaikos Athens on Friday night.

Last Wednesday, Maccabi played for the first time since the outbreak of war in the Middle East. All members of the Israeli team have left the country since last week for Cyprus and in the previous days, they were in Valencia for the match against the local team.

In Spain, extremely strict measures were observed for the security of the Israeli delegation. For instance, attendees had to empty their pockets and backpacks and go through a security check to make sure they were not bringing any weapons or dangerous objects, in addition to flags or symbols of Israel and Palestine. In addition, drones were deployed by the police to control the surroundings of La Fonteta from above.

The Greek police formed a broader security framework so as to ensure that no problem arises. It provides strong surveillance force and security at the delegation's hotel, as well as a riot squad, while there is provision for the simultaneous presence of the special repressive anti-terrorist force in the areas where Maccabi will stay and move.

At the same team, Greek authorities are keeping an eye on Israelidiplomatic delegations and all public buildings of Israeli, Palestinian and Iranian interest.

In this context and in the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas, the security measures around the OAKA arena in Athens are draconian -- both outside and inside the stadium, with the guests' locker room being the main focal point. Armed SWAT officers and riot police escort the players and the coaching staff.

All roads around the hotel were closed to traffic (and, on some occasions, even to pedestrians), while several police vehicles jammed the entrance to Maccabi's locker room and the parking area. Maccabi arrived in OAKA escorted by police cars, while the route was also monitored by a helicopter.

The Israeli delegation arrived in two buses. One was transferring all the team members (players and staff), while the other was occupied by their relatives and family.

According to all Israeli clubs' policy, details about the delegation's stay have remained secret, while no media availability (apart from the mandatory statements to the EuroLeague broadcaster) is expected to take place.

According to information, Maccabi reached Athens on Thursday night (around 22:00 CEST), under the surveillance of bomb squad officers and the presence of specially trained dogs that can smell and detect any dangerous substances.

Doors at OAKA opened at 17:45 CEST, two and a half hours before tipoff (20:15 CEST), while local fans were encouraged to enter the stadium at least 2 hours before the start of the match to avoid inconvenience. Motorcycle helmets and backpacks were strictly prohibited.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.