Football matches to be played without spectators

But the games will all be played behind closed doors, deputy sports minister Stavros Kontonis announced.

The decision was taken after the government received assurances that steps would be taken in future to combat public disorder at matches.

“Today we had a long discussion with representatives of football and I can tell you that from tomorrow (Thursday) there is a guide to address and combat violence,” Kontonis said.

“The decision of the government is that the matches of the Super League will be held behind closed doors this weekend and we will review the situation again next week.”

Kontonis added: “Direct measures are the immediate discontinuation of matches if there is any negative incident.

“In parallel, there will be large fines and deduction of points. For the following measures, electronic tickets will be issued. No matches will be held if the necessary measures to combat violence are not taken.”

Super League president Giorgos Borovilos said: “You cannot solve all the problems in a two-hour meeting. The minister is open to suggestions and wants to work with us for a better league.

“I urge fans to be especially careful because the new measures will have consequences for the teams. We want to have as much as possible safe stadiums.”

The government suspended all of last week’s Super League matches for the third time this season following violence between supporters of rival Athens teams Olympiakos and Panathinaikos the previous weekend.