The Mail –The Greek government has cancelled the Greek Cup due to the violence that marred the semi-final between PAOK Salonika and Olympiacos on Wednesday

The first-leg fixture had to be abandoned because of crowd trouble that started after PAOK had a penalty appeal rejected.

PAOK’s players and supporters were incensed at the ‘no penalty’ decision, prompting large groups of fans to invade and riot police were called in to clear the pitch of missile-hurling fans.

‘In view of this mayhem in football grounds and a huge disturbance of the social peace and legal order in general, the government has decided to definitively cancel any process and match related to the Greek Cup as provided for by the law,’ a government statement read.

 ‘The government is closely monitoring developments and those who do not take seriously our policies should be aware that we will not hesitate to make further decisions on these matters.’

PAOK Salonika owner Ivan Savvidis withdrew his team from the Greek Cup and called for the resignation of Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) president Giorgos Girtzikis after the chaos erupted on Wednesday.

The Super League and remaining professional divisions are to continue running as normal.