Armed club owner's pitch invasion prompts criticism against gov't

Greece's left-led government came under fire on Monday morning for fostering a culture of lawlessness after the owner of a soccer club invaded the pitch while armed with a gun on Sunday.

Businessman and PAOK owner Ivan Savvidis stormed onto the pitch after a disputed goal in a Super League match between his team and AEK in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, while carrying what appeared to be a pistol in a hip holster.

AEK officials claim that Savvidis had also threatened the referee earlier, during another foray onto the pitch.

Responding to the incident on Monday morning New Democracy Vice President Adonis Georgiadis told Skai TV that the government needs to provide answers concerning its relationship to the businessman.

"The image of a man who feels he can do anything we wants was shocking," Georgiadis said. "Someone who so brazenly flaunts the law must feel...