Hegarty feared for safety

Concern for Dundee United after their coach Paul Hegarty reported being caught up in a riot at Europa League opponents AEK Athens' weekend game.

Hegarty was on a spying mission ahead of the clubs meeting later this month, but watched on as the match against Kallithea was abandoned during the second-half after a group of fans stormed the pitch.

"There was ten minutes to go in the game when the fans started to encroach on the playing surface," he explained to The Scotsman. "The fans then started fighting with each other. It was mayhem, the police had to get involved and they were swinging batons."

It appears that AEK manager Dusan Bajevic was even punched to the ground by his own supporters and had bottles and chairs thrown in his direction.

"There was an incident with the manager, people were throwing bottles and chairs around," continued Hegarty. "It was a small ground, so it all happened just 30 or 40 yards in front of me. It wasn't pleasant to say the least and you did fear for your safety.

"I've played in a few games in Europe where the fans have been fighting in the terraces but his was a whole new level. I've seen a lot of fights over the years but nothing like this."

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