Greek police fired tear gas against hundreds of soccer fans who hurled rocks and flares at an event attended by the prime minister in the northern city of Thessaloniki on Friday, according to Reuters. The clashes followed a march by about 2,500 fans of the premier league PAOK team, demanding visiting Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' help for the financially troubled club. "About 15 people were arrested. We had no injuries," a police official said. "Several cars have been burned and shop windows have been smashed." The protesters attempted to break down the police barrier at an international trade fair being inaugurated by Karamanlis. They threw sticks, rocks and flares at police in full riot gear, who responded with batons and several rounds of tear gas. PAOK has long-standing financial problems, which have led to repeated departures of coaches and top players. The team has asked the government to help settle its debts to the state, as done with other Greek teams. Karamanlis did not comment on the clashes during his speech, which focused on his conservative government's efforts to help the region become a business hub.
