[InTime News]
A clandestine soccer fan club that masqueraded as a cultural and historical society has been uncovered in central Greece and a man suspected of running it has been arrested, authorities said Monday.
While fan clubs are not illegal they have to be formally registered. Instead, the club raided by the organized crime squad in an unnamed location in Thessaly had been granted permission to operate “as a society with exclusively cultural and historical interests,” a police statement said.
“Instead, it was found to be a regular gathering place for organized supporters of a club during its sports engagements,” it added. “There is no indication of any activity that would match the society’s officially stated purposes.”
The premises were found to contain fireworks, flares smoke bombs and paint spray-cans, the statement said.
The suspect was arrested entering the premises during the raid, and was found to be carrying a €100 note “of dubious authenticity” and a small quantity of marijuana, police said. He faced charges of breaking laws on sports violence, weapons, drugs and forgery.