Authorities arrest 7 as many fear Greece may be targeted by violent soccer supporters' gangs

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Police in northern Greece on Thursday detained seven Romanian men carrying knives and protective gear, amid concerns that a deadly soccer-related attack this week could attract more groups of violent supporters from around Europe.

The seven men were arrested near the Greek border with Bulgaria after police found three knives during vehicle inspections, as well as cans of spray paint and protective gear normally used for boxing, authorities said.

Greek club Olympiakos faces Genk of Belgium later Thursday in qualifying for the Europa League in Piraeus, near Athens, under heightened security. Greek authorities remain on alert after a 29-year-old Greek fan was stabbed to death late Monday outside AEK Athens’ stadium, prompting the cancellation of a Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb.

More than 100 fans were arrested, mostly Dinamo supporters, and remain in police detention after the blanket charge of murder and membership of a criminal organization was issued by a public prosecutor.

GREECE LAUNCHES RESCUE OPERATION FOR OVERCROWDED MIGRANT BOAT ANCHORED OFF REMOTE UNINHABITED ISLAND

Authorities have arrested seven Romanian men with knives and gear as fear of escalating violence at soccer games spreads across Europe. (Fox News)

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Despite angry protests from AEK calling for the Croatian club to be suspended from European competition, the two teams will meet in Zagreb next week.

Militant supporters' clubs have longstanding alliances across Europe and often travel to attend games abroad, fuelling local rivalries and the potential for violence.

Police are examining video footage from the scene of