Here's Video Of A Greek Goalkeeper Getting Hit By A Flare

Brian Hickey|published: Sat 19th March, 16:45 2011

This week's Greek Cup semifinal match between PAOK Thessaloniki and AEK Athens was interrupted when a fan of the former hit the goalkeeper for the latter, Sebastian Saja, with a flare (1:06 into the video).

Later, in what would ultimately be a 1-0 loss for their side, PAOK fans invaded the pitch. Saja wasn't hurt; he probably just has to replace a singed jersey. Thing is, this barely registers as news in Greece these days.

Greek Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos last week admitted that the country's professional football was "in the gutter".

"We will use all means at our disposal, starting with the funding of teams which may be cut if things are not corrected," Geroulanos said.

On April 30, AEK will face Atromitos in the Greek Cup Final, a team that's in 13th place in a 16-team league.

Greek football blighted bt '3000 hooligans' [News Live]

PAOK face punishment after pitch invasion [Reuters]

AEK beats PAOK 1-0 to reach Greek Cup final [Ekathimerini]

(H/T Bob's Blitz)