A memorial service was held with deep emotion to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the tragedy at Gate 7, where 21 Olympiacos fans lost their lives in 1981.
On Saturday, a deeply emotional annual memorial service was conducted to honor the victims of the Gate 7 tragedy, marking 45 years since the fatal incident on February 8, 1981. This tragic event occurred when 21 young fans of Olympiacos suffocated in the crowded conditions at the 'G. Karaiskakis' stadium following a triumphant match against AEK. The anniversary serves not only as a remembrance of those lost but also as a reminder of the importance of safety in sports venues.
A large number of people gathered at the site to pay their respects, including the entire football department of Olympiacos, led by the club's major stakeholder, Evangelos Marinakis. The presence of such a significant crowd emphasizes the community's ongoing mourning and the entrenched legacy of this tragedy in Greek football. It illustrates how sports can profoundly affect a community, as the memory of those fans continues to resonate strongly even decades later.
Also in attendance were the basketball team members and executives of the club, showcasing the solidarity within the Olympiacos family. Key figures such as the basketball section's leaders, coaches, and players showed their respect by leaving flowers at the memorial site, reinforcing their connection to the history and culture of Olympiacos. This unity in remembrance highlights the shared grief within the community and marks a poignant moment in honoring those who lost their lives so prematurely.
