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| Giorgos Katdis 'Fascist Salute' Goal Celebration |
Be careful how
you celebrate a goal! Giorgos Katdis, AEK Athen's midfielder has already been handed
life ban from national team by Greek federation; after celebrating a goal with a
fascist salute.
He has also been
suspended by his club until the end of the season when the consequences of his behavior
will be looked into again.
In a statement,
AEK confirmed the rumors that the club future of the one time Greek under 19 captain
is now in serious question. A section of AEK's influential fan group, Original 21,
has already said that it wishes to see Katdis expelled from the club for life.
However, the
club said, "whether katdis continues or not at the club will be decided in
the Summer after giving him the chance to prove if his behavior was as result of
immaturity and after assessing whether his re-introduction into the team will be
possible without triggering any shock waves to AEK."
The move follows
widespread criticism of the 20 years old's behavior. Although, the player claims
that he was ignorant of the full meaning of his actions; that he was only thinking
of a unique way to celebrate his goal.
AEK has long
been proud of its reputation as a club with a left feel. It was founded in 1924
by Greek refugees from Constantinople (now Istanbul), - with 'AEK' standing for
Athletic Union of Constantinople in English - following the Greco - Turkish war of 1919 - 1922.
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| Katdis in Serious Trouble |
An example of
the club's political leanings came when AEK played a friendly in Belgrade against
a local side Partizan in April 1999, a forthnight into NATO's bombing campaign of
Serbia in a show of solidarity.
Given this background,
not to mention Germany's detested war time occupation of Greece and the rise in
neo-fascist political party, Golden Dawn, Katdis behavior insulted what the club
represents and greatly offended the club's support.
Katdis has since
admitted the studity of his actions. "I made the mistake so I will be the one
to pay. AEK is not responsible." Katdis statement read. His club ban follows
on his statement, asking to be dropped him from the first team because of the way
he had offended the history of AEK.
