ATHENS Scenes resembling a war zone erupted in Omonia, a central square of Athens, late last night after sports hooligans clashed violently with riot police. The ritoing broke out after hundreds of fans of the Panathinaikos Club which won its first Greek basketball championship in 14 years assembled in Omonia to celebrate victory of their club. Riot squads used tear gas to disperse the rampaging basketball fans who torched one car, attacked a hotel and shops in the area.

The sports fans threw back stones and sticks at police. A few injuries were reported and police made about 15 arrests. Panatathinaikois beat Paok Thessaloniki 68-58 in the final match last night. (IRNA)