Seven PAOK fans tragically die on journey for Europa League match against Lyon

Martin Macdonald

• 28 Jan 2026 08:01 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

A group of PAOK fans have tragically died during the journey to a Europa League match against Lyon scheduled for Thursday.

Ten supporters went on the car journey across Europe from Greece to France and seven have died after their van collided head-on with an upcoming lorry.

Images circling on social media show footage of the crash, with other images detailing the destruction to the van and the lorry.

The three survivors are in critical condition.

"An unspeakable tragedy knocked on our door today," PAOK president Ivan Savvidis said.

"I am devastated by the unjust loss of young people, fans of our beloved team, who traveled to stand by our PAOK. I mourn with the families and millions of our compatriots. May God rest their souls.

"These children, the children of PAOK, are our children, they are members of a big family. And we do everything for our family and we don't leave anyone alone.

⚫️⚪️🕊️🙏🏻 #PAOKFamily pic.twitter.com/Ne4PcMLfc3

— PAOK FC (@PAOK_FC) January 28, 2026

"My thoughts are with their loved ones. I pray that everything goes well for those who were injured and are fighting a critical battle in these hours."

PAOK have sent club representatives to Romania to be with the three survivors who are fighting for their lives.

There has been an outpouring of grief in Greece over the incident, with flowers and tributes laid down at the stadium in Thessaloniki. The club has also blacked out all images on social media.

PAOK Statement

The club released a statement following the crash.

"Time stops. It freezes. Words run dry. Pain pierces through body and mind. Tears stream from the eyes. Grief overwhelms you, brings you to your knees, shatters you," it reads.

"Another black day. Another unspeakable tragedy for the PAOK family. Farewell to our children, whose love for those four letters took them far away. That love for PAOK carried them there, left them there and moved on further, but their souls will forever rest under the wings of the Double-Headed Eagle.

"Our deepest condolences to the families of these children. In their unbearable pain, they will not be alone. The great PAOK family will always stand beside them to ease this pain as much as possible.

"Our thoughts are also with the injured, who are fighting their own battle. We will do everything possible so they receive the best medical care available, we will make sure they return home as quickly as possible, we will always be by their side.

"One wish only… Never again…"

UEFA have confirmed that the match between PAOK and Lyon on Thursday will not be postponed, but the French side will ensure a pre-match tribute is organised for the fallen supporters.