Professional football suspended in Greece over fan violence

Professional football in Greece has been suspended indefinitely by the country's government following fan violence.

The Greek league had already been suspended twice this season and further incidents involving elite clubs Olympiacos and Panathinaikos have prompted more action.

Sunday's match between the rivals was marred by the throwing of flares, rocks and bottles, and a Panathinaikos official claimed that he was struck by Olympiacos security personnel at a subsequent meeting on Tuesday.

The newly-elected Greek governing party Syriza have pledged to stamp out the problem.

"What we have been informed is that the Super League and the Football League have been suspended indefinitely," Super League president Giorgos Borovilos told reporters.

"We have a new government who are looking to bring this subject up for discussion and implement state laws related to it."

The suspension affects the top three divisions in the country, but not the national team as of yet.