February 8, 1981, marks a significant and somber anniversary in the history of Greek sports, particularly for Olympiakos FC. Following a football match between Olympiakos and AEK at the Karaiskakis Stadium, a devastating tragedy unfolded at Gate 7, which became the site of one of the worst incidents in sports history. As fans exited the stadium celebrating a 6-0 victory, a bottleneck occurred at the gate that resulted in hundreds of people being trapped. This unfortunate scenario led to the asphyxiation deaths of 21 individuals, aged between 14 and 40 years, as they were unable to escape the crowded exit.

The events of that fateful night drastically shifted the mood from celebration to despair in mere moments. The joyous chants and songs of Olympiakos supporters quickly turned into cries for help amid the chaos, ultimately giving way to silence punctuated only by mourning. The immediate aftermath saw extensive coverage in Greek media, with "TA NEA" capturing the unfolding horror, detailing the aftermath and the national outrage that followed. This tragedy prompted an extensive reevaluation of safety measures in stadiums across Greece and an increased awareness of crowd control, making it a pivotal moment in not only sports culture but also in public safety policy.

As the 45th anniversary approaches, discussions around the tragedy remain vital in Greek society, serving as a remembrance of those who lost their lives and a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in sporting events. The lessons learned from the events at Gate 7 continue to resonate, emphasizing that the joy of sports should never come at the cost of human life.