Hearts midfielder says derby chaos is nothing compared to matches in Greece
Heart of Midlothian midfielder Ruben Palazuelos believes that the shambolic events during the Edinburgh derby on Sunday, 7 November, do not compare to the events he witnessed while playing in Greece.
The first encounter of the season between Hearts and local rivals Hibernian descended into chaos as missiles including coins, bottles and fireworks were thrown onto the pitch as the Jambos emerged triumphant over the Hibees at Easter Road in a 2-0 win.
Fans also ripped up seats inside the stadium, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. However, Palazuelos claimed that the events in Edinburgh were nothing compared the ones he saw while playing for Aris.
The Spaniard mentioned that, during the Thessaloniki derby with PAOK, it was not uncommon for shoes and mobile phones to sail over his head.
He told reporters that: "I know the Hibs fans weren't happy because we won but when I played for Aris this happened in every game. I remember supporters throwing trainers and phones during a derby against PAOK.
"That is normal behaviour because the fans in Greece are crazy. So nothing new happened to me on Sunday. I didn't get hit by anything but I saw coins on the ground and put them in my pocket. It's extra cash!"
Both Hearts and Hibs look set to be hit with heavy penalties for their fans’ actions by the SPL.
Meanwhile, Hearts manager Jim Jeffries revealed he was worried that a smoke canister thrown on to the pitch during the game would cause injury to defender Marius Zaliukas.
He said that: “How can you do that at a football match? The people in charge on Sunday did a good job to limit the problems but it shouldn't happen at all. If something like a canister is thrown it could easily hit a player.
"No one wants to change the atmosphere or the banter between the fans but things should be kept in perspective. We have to make sure we don't endanger players or people at the ground by throwing objects."
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