Aston Villa fans have been pictured hilariously mocking a group of Olympiacos supporters with merchandise of their bitter rivals, Panathinaikos.
It made for an entertaining watch, with the Villa faithful clearly enjoying themselves – that was until the home crowd fired back with a vicious reply of their own.
Rival merchandise makes appearance at Olympiacos vs Aston Villa
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Aston Villa fans taunt Olympiacos
Aston Villa fans waving a Panathinaikos scarf to Olympiacos fans ahead of the game tonight… 🤣😭 pic.twitter.com/GrBGzWb405
— The Away Fans (@theawayfans) May 9, 2024
Heading into the game two goals down after a shocking defeat in the first leg, most fanbases would attempt to keep a low profile when entering the away section in the second leg. Not Aston Villa fans though.
Instead, the travelling supporters went on the offensive, mocking a large group of home fans with a Panathinaikos scarf – their bitter city rivals. A juvenile, yet seemingly effective way to get under the skin of their opponents as a handful of fans charged towards the barrier separating the sets of supporters to confront the Villa supporters.
It is a bold tactic unlikely to be mirrored on the pitch, after all, Unai Emery notoriously favours a more pragmatic approach – especially in cup competitions.
The perfect comeback
Aston Villa fans waving a Panathinaikos scarf to Olympiacos fans, and Olympiacos fans showing a Birmingham banner back…
All this happening 2 and a half hours before kick off, inside the stadium…🤣😭pic.twitter.com/oCdUfaY1mO
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) May 9, 2024
However, as entertaining as that ploy was from the Villa supporters, this is where the narrative really begins to heat up. Out of nowhere, a lone Olympiacos fan replies to their taunts with one of his own, brandishing a sheet of paper depicting the logo of Birmingham City.
You most likely are, but just in case you are unaware, they are the bitter city rivals of Aston Villa. Ring any bells?
The Olympiacos supporter had played the travelling crowd at their own game, which begs one question. Was the taunt pre-planned? Or was it a quick-witted retort aided by luck? Either way, it made for another hilarious watch in the stands ahead of kick-off at the Karaiskakis Stadium.