4,000 officers to police Greek Cup final

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Police say they will ban mass gatherings in central Athens amid heavy security measures planned for Saturday's Greek Cup final between Panathinaikos and PAOK at the Olympic Stadium.

More than 4,000 officers will be on duty for the event, escorting PAOK from the northern city of Thessaloniki and enforcing the ban in Athens that will be in effect for 14 hours.

Security was heightened after a rowdy semifinal match on April 16 when PAOK eliminated Greek champion Olympiakos in a match repeatedly halted by brawls on the field with three players sent off. PAOK fans in the stands lit thousands of flares, and several were thrown on the field.