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Gate 13
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Gate 13
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Gate 13 (Greek: Θύρα 13), is the name of the ultras group of the Greek multi-sports club Panathinaikos A.O. Officially founded on November 19, 1966, Gate 13 is the oldest supporters' union in Greece. Gate 13 is one of the most powerful ultras group in Europe and has members from all over Greece and Europe, while over the years it has become a part of the club by affecting club decisions and by following the club on all possible occasions.

Key Information

History

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Origins

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Before the foundation of Gate 13 there were various football supporters' clubs all around Greece. The first of these clubs was founded in October 1952 and was called S.F.O.P. (Greek: Σ.Φ.Ο.Π., Σύλλογος Φιλάθλων Οπαδών Παναθηναϊκού, Syllogos Filathlon Opadon Panathinaikou, Panathinaikos Supporters Club) and stayed active for an unknown amount of time.

Towards the end of the 50s, supporters started getting organized as far as the home and away match support. They started attending the matches regularly and always met at the 13th gate of the Leoforos Alexandras Stadium. Gate 13 was also a place for the poorest fans and supporters of the team, with the seats not being numbered, unlike the rest of the stadium and the vip seats.

In order to organize trips for away matches and other events, the various fan clubs used to write in the two newspapers most read by Panathinaikos fans of the time, Athlitiki Iho (Greek: Αθλητική Ηχώ, Athletic Echo) and Panathinaika Nea (Greek: Παναθηναϊκά Νέα, Panathenaic News).

By 1966, there were a number of supporters' clubs, all named by the area where they were based. Notable clubs included: Ampelokipi, Zografou, Patissia, Gizi, Petralona, Cholargos, Peristeri, Patras and many more, most of which are still active today. Despite the lack of a universal name, the clubs would often meet to discuss various things including the team's performance and management, various trips for away matches and securing tickets for the home matches. Since 1962–63 there had been thoughts of founding a universal club under the name of the stadium's gate where the team's most devoted supporters met, but at the time there were many difficulties. Slowly the name Gate 13 was starting to get recognized and respected from players and fans.

1966

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Then, in 1966, after much effort, the "Syndesmos Filon Panathinaikou Athlitikou Omilou "I Thyra 13"" (Σύνδεσμος Φίλων Παναθηναϊκού Αθλητικού Ομίλου "Η Θύρα 13", Fan Club of Panathinaikos Athletic Club "Gate 13") first operated on November 19, 1966, on 68, Kolonos Str in Athens. At the time, it was a club like all the rest, but the difference was that its name would become a major part of Panathinaikos' history. On November 27, 1966, a few days after the foundation of Gate 13, a bus carrying Panathinaikos fans from Athens to Veroia crashed, resulting in the death of two Panathinaikos fans, Giorgos Koskoros (Greek: Γιώργος Κόσκορος) and Dimitris Sarantakos (Greek: Δημήτρης Σαραντάκος) who was one of the founding members of Gate 13.

1967–1971

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In 1967 the supporters' clubs of Panathinaikos were increasing in number in Athens and rest of Greece. In 1967, the Greek military junta of 1967–1974 was established and closed many of them.

So did Gate 13, only to reopen in 1968 with new offices on 39, Sokratous Srt in the center of Athens. Many other clubs followed shortly. At that time, the situation inside the stadiums in Greece was very calm with fights only occasionally breaking out.

In the following years Gate 13 expanded and flags with its name and logos started to appear in European stadiums, as well as Greek ones, while the Leoforos stadium was overflowing with people in the vast majority of games.

Plus, the interest for basketball was growing among Panathinaikos's fans. In addition, Gate 13 would attend also non sport related activities like the team's elections. At the same time they would often express their opinion on various issues that they thought negatively influenced the club, like ticket prices etc.

1971–1974

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Central fan club of Gate 13, near the Leoforos Stadium.

1971 was a key year in the history of Panathinaikos. The football team reached the 1971 European Cup Final and is the first Greek football team ever to reach the final in a major European competition. Because of this success, Panathinaikos fans increased in numbers all over Greece. Gate 13 was present in all the games of the team in the European Cup with memorable trips. 15,000 fans went to Belgrade to see Panathinaikos against the then very strong Red Star Belgrade while 20,000 traveled to London's Wembley Stadium for the final against AFC Ajax. Because of the success of Panathinaikos's football team in European Competitions, a number of supporters' clubs started reopening while other fans decided to found their own supporters' clubs. Some of the most famous new clubs were in Nikaia and Vyronas in 1972. Immediately after its foundation, the club would attend many away games with its own leaders and would very often criticize Panathinaikos's management and owners. By 1974, most supporters' clubs had their own leaders and would be present in all away matches.

1974–1978

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After the fall of the Greek military junta of 1967–1974 supporters' clubs started reappearing all over Greece. By 1978 there were 52 Panathinaikos supporters clubs operating all over Greece, when arch rivals Olympiakos only had a few clubs running. In 1976, during the event for Gate 13's 10 year anniversary, Panathinaikos's fans honoured the fans that had died by keeping a minutes silence in their memory.

Gate 13 remains until today the loudest part of the stadium, with many flags and banners giving colour and character to the stand.

Friendships

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Ultras Rapid

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Gate 13 holds a very strong brotherhood with Rapid Wien's fans Ultras Rapid since 2001 when Panathinaikos played Sturm Graz for UEFA Champions League. Since then there have been many actions to promote this friendship such as flags from one to the curva of the other. In June 2016, Ultras Rapid were present at the 50-year celebration of Gate 13 in Athens.[1]

Other Friendships

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Beyond the friendship with Ultras Rapid Wien, the closest active relations parts of Gate 13 share are with GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Bad Blue Boys and Roma, Curva Sud (Fedayn).

Over the years parts of Gate 13, had also friendships with groups from Real Madrid (Orgullo Vikingo) mainly during the 90s, Ajax Amsterdam (F-SIDE Amsterdam), Ferencváros, Hammarby IF FF, AS Saint-Étienne, Celtic F.C, Sporting CP, Club Atlético River Plate, Maccabi Haifa FC (Green Apes) and Anadolu Efes S.K. Finally the strong friendship with Shamrock Rovers (SRFC Ultras) grew when some of the Gate 13 Ultras made their way to Ireland in 2017 to watch Shamrock Rovers away to Galway.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gate 13

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Gate 13 (Greek: Θύρα 13) is the ultras supporter group of the Greek multi-sport club Panathinaikos A.O., officially established in 1966 and named after the specific entrance gate at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium where its founding members gathered. As the oldest organized fan association in Greece, it comprises multiple subgroups across Athens, the provinces, Cyprus, and abroad, focusing on fervent matchday support through chants, banners, and coordinated travel. The group temporarily ceased activities during the 1967–1974 Greek military dictatorship before reviving in 1968, expanding to include financial aid for the club's amateur sections and voluntary crisis responses. Politically, Gate 13 formed the Panathinaikos Movement party in , opposing government austerity measures, and participated in national and European elections, though with limited electoral success. Gate 13 has been definingly characterized by its role in Greek football hooliganism, with involvement in numerous violent clashes, including riots during derbies and international matches. The group has faced government crackdowns, such as a 2016 shutdown amid efforts to curb fan disturbances, and drawn criticism for banners supporting imprisoned members accused of violence and for affiliations with far-right elements, including historical ties to neo-Nazi factions.

History

Origins and Informal Beginnings

Dedicated Panathinaikos supporters began informally gathering outside of the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium in the mid-1950s, approximately a decade prior to the group's formal establishment. This specific entrance, providing access to inexpensive seating sections favored by working-class fans, naturally evolved into a focal point for hardcore enthusiasts seeking coordinated support activities, including the organization of away trips. These gatherings reflected a broader culture of intense fandom at Panathinaikos, rooted in longstanding rivalries such as the "Derby of the Eternal Enemies" with Olympiacos, which had featured violent clashes since the 1930s. Informal groups at Gate 13 earned recognition from fellow supporters and club players through their passionate displays and logistical efforts, setting the stage for structured organization amid Greece's evolving football scene. The pre- activities emphasized communal bonding and unwavering , drawing from the club's historical identity as a symbol of Athenian and national pride, without yet forming a registered association. This organic development highlighted the causal role of physical architecture and fan demographics in fostering early ultras-like behaviors, distinct from later formalized operations.

Founding in 1966

Gate 13, the primary organized supporters' group for , was formally established in 1966 as a dedicated . The name derives from the 13th gate (Πύλη 13) at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, where a core group of fervent fans had habitually congregated to cheer the team. This formalization transformed an informal assembly of enthusiasts—active in some capacity since the late —into Greece's inaugural structured ultras-style association, predating similar groups in the country. The founding reflected the growing intensity of fan devotion amid Panathinaikos' competitive era, including European campaigns, with initial members prioritizing vocal support and loyalty over casual attendance. Early activities centered on matchday coordination at the stadium's standing sections, fostering a culture of collective chanting and presence that extended to the club's multisport identity, though football remained the focal point. These pioneers exemplified sustained commitment, laying the groundwork for Gate 13's expansion while navigating the era's limited organizational infrastructure in Greek sports fandom.

Expansion During the Late 1960s and Early 1970s

Following its official founding on November 19, 1966, by 26 initial signatories of the club's statute, Gate 13 experienced initial growth amid Panathinaikos' rising domestic success, including league championships in and 1970. The group's early focus on organizing ticket access and away travel from the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium's Gate 13 entrance attracted more young supporters, fostering informal networks that expanded beyond central . Activities were disrupted in 1967 by the Greek military junta, which imposed restrictions on public gatherings and political expressions, leading to a temporary halt in organized operations. Despite this suppression, Gate 13 regrouped and grew stronger annually thereafter, with affiliated supporters' clubs proliferating in and other parts of by the late 1960s. The period's expansion accelerated with Panathinaikos' qualification for the against Ajax at —the first Greek club to reach this stage—prompting Gate 13 members to coordinate large-scale travel and displays of support that enhanced the group's visibility and cohesion. This success-driven momentum solidified Gate 13's role as a centralized force for fan mobilization, outpacing rival disorganized groups and establishing precedents for choreographed attendance that filled stadium sections more consistently.

Consolidation in the Mid-1970s

During the mid-1970s, Gate 13 focused on internal and stabilization following its earlier expansion, with Odyseas Kalogerakis emerging as a key figure in coordinating the supporter stand and activities. Kalogerakis, who succeeded prior leaders around this period, emphasized unified chanting and fan coordination, laying groundwork for enduring traditions such as adapted folk-inspired slogans that would formalize by decade's end. This phase aligned with Panathinaikos' on-field successes, including the 1975 Greek league title, which bolstered the group's membership and reinforced its role in mobilizing away support and ticket distribution without yet facing the splinter groups that emerged later in the decade. By maintaining a centralized structure amid growing numbers—estimated in the hundreds of active core members—the group solidified its identity as Greece's pioneering association, prioritizing loyalty and collective presence over fragmented initiatives.

Developments from the Late 1970s to the 1980s

During the late , Gate 13 expanded its influence through the formation of subgroups by its members, notably N.O.P.O. and Green Devils, which emerged as key affiliates supporting Panathinaikos across matches and activities. This growth coincided with escalating fan violence nationwide, including riots in 1978 and that implicated Gate 13 members in clashes with rivals and authorities, prompting a targeted police operation from to 1981 aimed at curbing among organized supporter groups. Entering the 1980s, Gate 13 drew inspiration from the entrenched hooligan in , where extreme fan behaviors had solidified, leading to heightened confrontations and a shift toward more militant expressions of loyalty during away trips and derbies. By January 1982, the group operated less as a formal entity and more as a symbolic "gate" and ideological hub within the stadium, drawing adherents from varied youth subcultures such as metalheads and rather than a uniform profile. In response to persistent disorder, Panathinaikos president Giorgos Vardinogiannis intervened in the mid-1980s by dissolving independent fan clubs and consolidating support under PA.LE.F.I.P. as the primary organized body, limiting Gate 13's autonomous operations. Toward the decade's end, renewed subgroup formations signaled ongoing vitality, including the Green Cockney Club in 1988 by PA.LE.F.I.P. affiliates at 87 Socratous Street, followed by Mad Boys and Zografou in 1989, which bolstered localized recruitment and matchday coordination.

Modern Era and Recent Activities (1990s–2025)

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Gate 13 maintained its role as the primary organized supporter group for , expanding membership across and establishing international friendships, such as with Austria's Ultras Rapid in 2001 following a Champions League match between Sturm Graz and Panathinaikos. The group continued producing large-scale choreographies and tifos at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, while rivalries intensified, culminating in the 2007 murder of Panathinaikos fan Michalis Filopoulos by Olympiacos affiliates ahead of a volleyball match, which police linked to seven Olympiacos supporters' club officials. This incident highlighted escalating in Greek football derbies. The late 2000s marked a period of for Gate 13 amid broader social unrest. In December 2008, the police killing of 15-year-old Panathinaikos supporter Alexandros Grigoropoulos triggered nationwide riots, prompting Gate 13 to adopt annual "No justice, no peace" banners and intensify anti-police sentiments. Clashes during derbies persisted, including flare-throwing and pitch invasions, contributing to league-wide measures like away fan bans. In 2012, elements within Gate 13 formed the Panathinaikos Movement (PANKI), an anti-austerity political party that contested the 2012 elections (receiving 0.74% of votes) and later municipal races, advocating against political immunity and promoting fan-led solidarity initiatives. Fan violence peaked in the 2010s, leading to repeated penalties for Panathinaikos. On February 22, 2015, Gate 13 ultras invaded the pitch before kickoff against Olympiacos, delaying the match and prompting a three-point deduction from the Greek Super League. Similar disturbances on November 21, 2015, saw over 50 arrests after clashes outside the stadium, resulting in the match postponement and further sanctions, including a November 30 fine and points deduction for pitch damage and tear gas deployment. In July 2016, the club faced a closed-door home opener and €61,750 fine for prior crowd trouble at the Gate 13 section. Gate 13 also condemned the 2013 murder of rapper Pavlos Fyssas by a Golden Dawn member via banners reading "Dead from a fascist’s knife," reflecting internal anti-extremist stances despite affiliations with nationalist ultras groups like Croatia's Bad Blue Boys. Into the 2020s, Gate 13's activities blended matchday support with political activism amid Greece's aftermath and events like the February 2023 train disaster (57 deaths), which elicited banners accusing "State and capital" of murder. August 2023 saw the death of AEK fan Michalis Katsouris in clashes involving Gate 13-allied during Conference League tensions, followed by a "Free the Boys" banner advocating for detained . A December 2023 killing of police officer Giorgos Lyggeridis by Olympiacos' rivals triggered a two-month spectator ban ending February 2024. The group opposed stadium relocation plans in a 2022 club vote and engaged in solidarity efforts, including refugee support, while maintaining choreographed displays and rival confrontations through 2025.

Ideology and Culture

Political Evolution and Stances

Gate 13's political engagements have historically reflected a blend of and sentiments, evolving from informal alignments in its early years to more structured amid Greece's socio-economic upheavals. Formed in 1966 during the (1967–1974), the group initially focused on fan support without explicit political declarations, though the era's anti-communist climate and nationalist fervor likely influenced its cultural milieu, as seen in broader Greek society under the regime's suppression of left-wing dissent. By the 1980s, Gate 13 adopted overtly right-wing elements, incorporating subculture with neo-Nazi associations, manifesting in aggressive displays and alliances with similar European groups. The group's ideology moderated in the 1990s and early 2000s, shifting toward relative apoliticality centered on club loyalty, though persistent nationalist tendencies persisted, evidenced by ongoing solidarity with right-leaning fan factions like Croatia's Bad Blue Boys, known for their ties to nationalist and far-right ideologies. This phase emphasized internal fan culture over overt partisanship, with official stances rejecting formal political affiliation—"no politica"—while harboring diverse members, including some anti-fascist elements. Radicalization accelerated during the Greek debt crisis (2007–2015), triggered by events like the 2008 killing of Alexis Grigoropoulos, which ignited nationwide riots, and the 2013 murder of rapper , prompting anti-fascist banners against Golden Dawn. Gate 13 mobilized in anti-austerity protests, including marches against the 2010 EU-IMF memorandum and clashes in 2021 at against police brutality, adopting anti-government and anti-police positions that blended nationalist rhetoric with calls for and equality. This era marked a pivot to proactive political involvement, including solidarity initiatives like collective kitchens and opposition to club management perceived as complicit in state favoritism. In , amid multi-ownership disputes and crisis-induced discontent, Gate 13 members founded the Panathinaikos Movement (PANKI), Greece's first fan-derived , explicitly anti-memorandum and focused on national issues like economic sovereignty. PANKI secured 0.74% of votes in the 2012 elections but garnered minimal support upon reconstitution in 2022, reflecting limited electoral traction despite . Today, Gate 13 maintains an eclectic stance—nationalist yet oppositional to , with internal diversity—but prioritizes fan autonomy over ideology, using stadium displays to critique authority while navigating accusations of selective alliances with far-right peers. Academic analyses note this hybridity as a response to Greece's polarized , though surveys indicate most supporters view Gate 13's actions as club-centric rather than ideologically driven.

Symbols, Traditions, and Fan Culture

Gate 13's iconography centers on the numeral 13, referencing their namesake entrance at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, often combined with the Panathinaikos in green and white colors symbolizing the club's identity of harmony, unity, nature, and good fortune. These elements appear in banners, flags, and supporter merchandise, sometimes stylized with motifs like skulls encircling soccer balls adorned by shamrock leaves. A key tradition is the collective chanting of "Horto Magiko" ("Magical Shamrock"), an invoking the club's emblem as a source of mystical strength, frequently performed by tens of thousands during matches across football, , and . Supporters adapt international melodies, such as those from Iron Maiden's "" and The White Stripes' "," into Panathinaikos-specific lyrics to sustain atmosphere. Fan culture revolves around unwavering loyalty to Panathinaikos across its 40-plus sports disciplines, with matchday rituals featuring , coordinated choreographies, and large-scale displays that position Gate 13 among Europe's most visually and audibly dynamic groups. The group maintains a familial structure, including a with a bar, gym, and for producing chants, while upholding internal codes prioritizing honor, , and collective values over mere victories. With over 50 affiliated subgroups in and outposts in and , this culture extends globally, emphasizing brotherhood and multisport devotion.

Organization and Operations

Internal Structure and Membership

Gate 13 maintains an informal organizational structure centered on a main supporters' club in , augmented by satellite associations numbering approximately 11 in the capital, 25 in other Greek provinces, 4 in , 2 abroad, and additional affiliates, totaling around 70 local groups. This network facilitates coordinated activities such as matchday support, away travel, and financial contributions to Panathinaikos Athletic Club, with local hierarchies handling regional operations while deferring to collective decision-making at the central level. Leadership within Gate 13 emerges organically from levels of activity, trust, and participation rather than through formal elections or appointments, reflecting a fluid hierarchy that prioritizes proven commitment over rigid positions. Decisions on key matters, including annual objectives and responses to club or external issues, are reached collectively via periodic meetings of representatives from roughly 100 associations, where most members hold voting rights, often with younger participants serving as proxies. Communication relies on informal channels, including magazines, websites, and radio broadcasts, alongside mechanisms for internal "self-cleansing" to address misconduct or disloyalty. Membership is predominantly male, spanning ages 25 to 70, and requires demonstrated passion through consistent attendance at matches and events, coupled with a nominal fee, though exact figures remain undocumented due to the absence of formal registration—stemming from legal risks and societal stigma associated with groups. Entry emphasizes time investment and reliability over bureaucratic processes, fostering a sense of family-like unity among adherents who view unwavering support for Panathinaikos as central to their identity. Subgroups, such as the radical-leaning Bianco Verde faction, operate within this framework to advance specific ideological or activist agendas, while extensions like the PANKI —formed in 2012 from Gate 13's networks—extend organizational influence into electoral , contesting national issues in elections as recently as 2023.

Matchday Support and Choreographies

Gate 13 coordinates its matchday support primarily from the dedicated section at Gate 13 of Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, where members generate an intense atmosphere through relentless chanting, drumming, flag-waving, and banner displays throughout games. This vocal presence persists across all fixtures, including derbies against rivals like AEK Athens and Olympiacos, often amplified by during key moments. The group specializes in elaborate and tifos, utilizing coordinated banners, flares, and smoke to create visually striking displays that have earned recognition as among Europe's finest. These productions typically occur in high-stakes matches, emphasizing themes of , history, and rivalry. For instance, on November 6, 2011, during Panathinaikos' encounter with AEK , Gate 13 executed a triple choreography to mark its 45th anniversary, featuring layered visual elements and pyro effects. A subsequent celebration on December 10, 2011, incorporated extensive and choreographed elements at the to further honor the milestone. In more recent derbies, such as the April 9, 2023, clash with Olympiacos, Gate 13 sustained a high-energy display with chants and visual supports that contributed to the match's charged environment. Similarly, during the November 6, 2022, fixture against Olympiacos, their organized actions included sustained coreo elements documented in fan footage. The official site has highlighted these efforts as "astonishing," underscoring their role in elevating home-game intensity. Gate 13 extends such support beyond football to other club sports like and , maintaining consistent presence and displays.

Relationships with Other Fan Groups

Alliances and Friendships

Gate 13 has cultivated formal alliances with groups from other European clubs, emphasizing solidarity in fan culture and opposition to common adversaries such as rival supporters or authorities. The group's primary brotherhood is with Orgullo Vikingo, the of Rapid Vienna in , a relationship dating back decades and marked by joint displays and mutual support at matches, including a notable gathering during Panathinaikos' game against Bayern on December 27, 2024. A significant friendship also exists with the (BBB), ultras of Dinamo in , characterized by reciprocal banners, coordinated travel to games, and public acknowledgments, such as BBB's congratulatory message to Panathinaikos in 2021 and joint appearances in 2024. These ties extend informally through subgroups within Gate 13, such as connections with of AEK Larnaca in , though lacking the centralized status of the and partnerships. Such alliances facilitate cross-border fan exchanges but remain selective, prioritizing groups aligned against and police intervention as articulated by Gate 13 members.

Rivalries and Conflicts

Gate 13's fiercest rivalry centers on Olympiacos' ultras collective, , paralleling the clubs' longstanding "Derby of the Eternal Enemies," characterized by deep-seated animosity rooted in ' sporting and social divides. This fixture has produced recurrent violence, including pitch invasions, missile throwing, and confrontations extending to off-field locations, underscoring the ultras' role in escalating tensions during matches at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium and elsewhere. A notable escalation occurred on February 22, 2015, during a match when Olympiacos defender Dimitris Siovas celebrated a directly in front of the Gate 13 section, inciting to dismantle barriers and charge toward the pitch, prompting security intervention and temporary chaos before order was restored. More severely, on March 17, 2019, a home against Olympiacos was abandoned after 70 minutes when Gate 13-affiliated fans invaded the field, assaulted visiting players on the bench, and clashed with , leading to deployment and the match's forfeiture. The rivalry's volatility persisted internationally; on May 25, 2024, amid the in , Panathinaikos and Olympiacos supporters engaged in a mass brawl at Prenzlauer Allee station, injuring over a dozen and leaving one individual critically wounded, necessitating a large-scale police response. While the Olympiacos antagonism dominates, Gate 13 harbors hostilities with ultras from other prominent Greek clubs, including AEK Athens' and PAOK's , fueled by league competition and regional pride. These rivalries manifest in sporadic clashes during derbies or cup ties, though they lack the frequency and intensity of Gate 7 encounters, with violence often intertwined with broader hooligan elements rather than isolated to Gate 13 actions.

Controversies and Incidents

Hooliganism and Violent Clashes

Gate 13, the primary group supporting , has a long history of involvement in , including organized clashes with rival fans, pitch invasions, and confrontations with police, often escalating matches into widespread disorder. These incidents have frequently resulted in match abandonments, league penalties, injuries, and fatalities, reflecting broader issues in Greek football where ultras groups exert significant influence through violence. In 2007, organized clashes involving Panathinaikos supporters prior to a match led to the death of one fan, prompting a complete suspension of all sports events across for an extended period. On February 27, 2015, Gate 13 members stormed the pitch at Leoforos Alexandros Stadium during a league game against Olympiacos, targeting the visiting manager Vitor Pereira and causing a pre-kickoff delay; the Greek subsequently deducted three points from Panathinaikos as punishment. Similar violence erupted on November 22, 2015, when the Panathinaikos-Olympiacos was postponed after home clashed with inside and outside Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, involving thrown objects and attempts to breach security barriers. The March 18, 2019, derby against Olympiacos exemplified escalating ultras aggression, as the match was abandoned after 70 minutes when Panathinaikos fans, including Gate 13 elements, invaded the pitch, clashed with police using , and attempted to visiting players and staff, injuring several and halting play amid chaos. On August 7, 2023, riots in central during a friendly match context saw Gate 13 allied with Croatian hooligans engage in street battles with opposing groups, resulting in the of 29-year-old Panathinaikos Michalis Katsouris and multiple injuries; subsequent arrests of Gate 13 members prompted fan banners demanding their release. More recently, on July 16, 2024, internal clashes among Panathinaikos hardcore factions, believed driven by turf wars for stadium influence, occurred outside an venue, involving weapons and leading to police intervention amid a "hooligan ." Greek police investigations revealed in June 2025 that Panathinaikos fan groups, including elements linked to Gate 13, hired criminal gangs for attacks on fellow supporters to seize control of fan operations, tying to , , and drug trafficking networks. These events underscore Gate 13's role in perpetuating violence that extends beyond matches, often involving premeditated coordination with international hooligan allies.

Protests Against Club Management and Authorities

Gate 13 has frequently protested management decisions viewed as undermining the club's legacy and performance. In 2008, amid threats of under the Vardinoyannis administration, Gate 13 members supported fan and efforts to acquire shares and shift toward a multi-stakeholder model. Tensions escalated in March 2022 when approximately 3,000 members of the Panathinaikos Amateur Club voted to relocate the stadium from Leoforos Alexandras to Votanikos; Gate 13 opposed the move, citing risks to historical heritage and potential . Protests intensified under majority owner , criticized for prolonged mismanagement. On May 19, 2024, Gate 13 organized a rally at the Field of in ahead of a match against Olympiacos, demanding Alafouzos's resignation after 12 years without a Greek league title, alongside accusations of lacking vision, repeated coach dismissals, poor European results, and financial excuses. The group's statement urged fan unity with the slogan "POULA KAI EXAFANISOU" ("Get out and disappear"), highlighting perceived disrespect to the club's history. Gate 13 has also directed protests at Greek authorities over sanctions and perceived overreach. In 2016, during a league match against Levadiakos, supporters unveiled a labeling Minister Stavros Kontonis a "left-wing fascist" and declaring "Nobody messes with the people of Panathinaikos," in response to fines totaling euros, partial stadium closures, a three-point deduction, and a four-match supporter ban imposed for prior crowd disturbances. The display delayed the second half by 25 minutes until officials ordered its removal. Later that month, following Kontonis's order to close Gates 13 and 14 after a November 2015 derby incident with Olympiacos, Gate 13 symbolically filled restricted seats with hundreds of green-and-white balloons during a Greek Cup match against Atromitos, which ended 0-0. Further sanctions in January 2016 included the closure of the Gate 13 section at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium—home to around 5,000 —for the remainder of the season, as announced by Kontonis's ministry amid ongoing efforts. Gate 13 has extended protests to broader actions, such as displaying banners condemning state negligence after the February 2023 train crash ("State and capital are murderers") and criticizing following a December 2023 spectator ban after clashes involving a police officer's death. In January 2016, following crowd disturbances and an offensive banner displayed by Gate 13 members targeting Greece's deputy sports minister Stavros Kontonis, the Greek sports ministry imposed sanctions on , including a €90,000 fine and partial closure of the Gate 13 section of Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium. These measures were part of a broader government crackdown on ultras violence, which also resulted in a three-point deduction, a 0-3 match forfeit, and a four-match supporter ban for the club due to prior incidents linked to fan groups like Gate 13. The actions stemmed from repeated , including clashes and unauthorized displays, though direct prosecutions of Gate 13 leaders were limited, with repercussions primarily affecting the club and stadium access. Subsequent years saw ongoing arrests of Panathinaikos supporters, often affiliated with , during violent clashes. In July 2024, 74 individuals were detained after a brawl outside the club's stadium in Ambelokipi, involving weapons and injuries, as part of intensified police operations against football-related . Similarly, in February 2025, 19 fans were arrested following internal clashes among Panathinaikos supporters at , charged with offenses including rioting and possession of prohibited items. Broader investigations into Greek soccer , launched post-2023 fatalities, uncovered links to but have not publicly singled out Gate 13 for systemic charges, unlike rival groups; instead, they emphasize club-level accountability. A notable event occurred on October 2, 2023, when Gate 13 unfurled a "Free the Boys" banner during a Panathinaikos match, signaling solidarity with detained ultras from Dinamo , who were implicated in the stabbing death of Greek fan Michalis Katsouris outside AEK ' stadium days earlier. The display, featuring the Croatian group's , drew widespread condemnation for glorifying foreign hooligans amid Greece's mourning for the victim, exacerbating tensions but yielding no immediate legal penalties for Gate 13 beyond heightened scrutiny. This incident highlighted Gate 13's international alliances, previously evident in clashes with away fans, and contributed to national fan bans in matches later that year.

Impact and Legacy

Influence on Panathinaikos FC

Gate 13 has shaped 's identity as a club with one of Europe's most fervent supporter bases, serving as the "beating heartbeat" since its founding in and extending support across the club's football and other sports sections. Their relentless vocal presence, combined with choreographies and displays ranked among the continent's finest, generates an intimidating atmosphere at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, bolstering home performances by motivating players and unsettling opponents. The group exerts considerable leverage over club management through organized protests and activism, often stemming from dissatisfaction with leadership decisions. In 2008, amid threats of bankruptcy under the Vardinoyannis administration, Gate 13 members and other fans purchased shares to shift toward a multi-stakeholder model, directly altering the club's structure. Similarly, in March 2022, fan opposition—including from Gate 13—blocked a proposed relocation to Votanikos via a vote among 3,000 Panathinaikos Amateur Club members, preserving the traditional venue despite perceived modernization benefits. This influence peaked in May 2024, when Gate 13 rallied supporters at the Field of in on May 19, prior to a against Olympiacos, demanding the resignation of president after 12 title-less years marked by alleged mismanagement, lack of vision, and declining European results. Such actions underscore Gate 13's dual role: amplifying fan loyalty while fostering chronic tensions that compel management responses, though they occasionally invite external sanctions or reputational harm to the club.

Role in Greek and European Ultras Culture

Gate 13, established on November 29, 1966, holds the distinction of being the oldest organized supporters' group in Greek football, pioneering the ultras model at Panathinaikos FC's Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium. This formation marked the shift from informal fan gatherings to structured, dedicated sections focused on enhancing matchday atmospheres through coordinated efforts. Their early adoption of vocal chanting, flags, and basic displays laid the groundwork for the ultras phenomenon in Greece, influencing the creation of rival groups like Olympiacos' Gate 7 in the 1970s. Within Greek ultras culture, Gate 13 set enduring standards for fan engagement, emphasizing relentless support regardless of results and producing elaborate choreographies and tifos that symbolize club identity and historical narratives. These elements, including and mass banners, became hallmarks replicated by other domestic factions, contributing to 's reputation for intense, visually dynamic stadium spectacles. The group's emphasis on territorial loyalty to Gate 13 seating fostered a of hardcore dedication, where members from across coordinate to maintain high-energy environments, often sustaining the club's amateur sections during financial strains. On the European stage, Gate 13's influence manifests through its recognition for top-tier choreographic quality and innovation, positioning it among the continent's elite collectives despite Greece's peripheral football status. Cross-border alliances, such as the longstanding friendship with Croatia's of Dinamo Zagreb—evidenced by mutual anniversary greetings and joint actions—facilitate cultural exchanges, including shared tactics for displays and away support. These ties underscore Gate 13's role in a networked ultras ecosystem, where Greek elements like fervent and anti-authority stances resonate with Southern European peers, though their practices remain rooted in local traditions rather than direct emulation of Italian origins.

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