A group of football fans in Athens damaged the field at their own stadium in order to keep a rival Greek team from playing a Europa League match at the venue.

Greek police say about 30 Panionios fans caused extensive damage to their own ground late Tuesday. The stadium had been chosen to host AEK Athens’ match against Scottish club Dundee United on Thursday because of bad turf conditions at AEK’s home stadium.

The vandals knocked down the goal posts, dug holes in the turf, burned a team bench and sprayed abusive slogans against AEK and UEFA.

An AEK spokeswoman says the club has suggested the second-leg match should be played at Olympiakos’ stadium, and UEFA is considering the proposal.

AEK won the first leg 1-0.

August 25, 2010, AP