Aris protests referee decisions and targets Stephane Lannoy during Toumpa derby with PAOK

Halftime reaction during the Toumpa derby

Aris FC published an official statement during the first half of the Thessaloniki derby against local rivals PAOK at Toumpa Stadium on Sunday. The match, contested as part of matchday four in the Greek Super League, saw the home side take a 2-0 lead before the halftime whistle. Representatives from Aris reacted to the on-pitch refereeing rulings by issuing a public communication while the game was still in progress. The club voiced severe dissatisfaction over several pivotal decisions made by the officiating crew during the opening 45 minutes of play. The dispute arose as the yellow-and-black club sought to challenge key calls during the high-stakes cross-city encounter in Thessaloniki.

Three contested officiating decisions

The visiting side outlined three specific refereeing decisions from the first half that they contested in their announcement. The earliest grievance involved the play leading to PAOK's opening goal from the penalty spot to establish a 1-0 lead. Aris argued that an uncalled foul against goalkeeper Ricardo Velho was ignored immediately before Italian referee Andrea Colombo awarded the spot kick to the home side. In addition, the club cited two separate disciplinary incidents involving PAOK players that they argued warranted dismissals from the match. Aris stated that defender Kenny avoided a second yellow card for a tackle on Giannotas, while Zafeiris avoided a direct red card for an unsportsmanlike foul against Racic. Club officials maintained that both challenges should have reduced the home team's numbers on the pitch before the break.

Public criticism of Lannoy and Colombo

The formal communication released by Aris focused its criticism directly on Italian match referee Andrea Colombo and refereeing administrator Stephane Lannoy. Aris addressed Lannoy sarcastically regarding the appointment of Colombo to referee the Thessaloniki derby at Toumpa Stadium. The club asserted that the decisions made by Colombo directly influenced the opening half of the contest in favor of PAOK. Furthermore, Aris described the refereeing performance as an unfair disadvantage to their squad. The club's leadership chose to make their objections public immediately rather than waiting for post-game reviews.

Well done Lannoy! You knew something and sent Colombo. He spared a second yellow card for Kenny for a foul on Giannotas, spared a second red card for PAOK for Zafeiris's unsportsmanlike conduct on Racic, and did not see the foul on our goalkeeper before the penalty. That is how it had to be, that is how it is done... The "works" have begun...

Match context and derby implications

The matchday four fixture at Toumpa Stadium marked an early meeting between the two Thessaloniki rivals in the Super League campaign. PAOK established a two-goal cushion by the interval, having opened the scoring with the disputed penalty before securing their second goal before the break. Aris decided to publish their objections immediately through club media channels rather than waiting for the final whistle of the contest. The mid-game statement formally placed on record the club's discontent regarding the decisions made during the first half in Thessaloniki. The derby continued into the second half with PAOK defending their two-goal lead.