As the opening of the Thessaloniki Metro draws near, final preparations are under way. However, the excitement was overshadowed on Thursday by threats from supporters of the city’s Aris soccer club to “smash up” the inauguration ceremony on Saturday and vandalize the metro. Deputy Minister for Infrastructure Nikos Tachiaos filed a report with the prosecutor. The threats were linked to the club’s recent penalty of playing two matches behind closed doors, a decision that sparked strong reactions from fans. Despite the unsettling situation, Aris denied any involvement in inciting violence, emphasizing its commitment to legality and denouncing any form of hooliganism. The inauguration was also impacted by a weather forecast predicting heavy rain, prompting the cancellation of various events, including the Christmas tree lighting and the city’s “White Night’”shopping event, both rescheduled for next week.