Scheduled for midday, the trial did not start until 13:30 local time and finished at 15:00.

Because of the large number of people involved – there are more than 140 defendants and 220 witnesses – the trial is taking place, not in the courthouse, but in a specially designed room next to Korydallos high-security prison, in southern Attica.

The lawyers have requested a larger courtroom, which will be considered by the judges for the next date later this month.

The court is a three-member panel – there are three senior judges who will rule by majority.

The defendants are fans who face trial on counts of participating in a criminal organisation related to a 2023 incident of hooligan violence in Piraeus-port city, that allegedly resulted in the death of a police officer.

Early on Wednesday morning, the street outside the building was blocked off by police. Some Olympiacos fans gathered, but there was no organised gathering in a show of support to the defendants.

Police measures were very strict – there was an ID check on everyone who wanted to enter the courtroom and a metal detector was used to scan backpacks. There are separate entrances for lawyers and witnesses in the trial and journalists. A makeshift media centre was set up in an adjacent room.

The trial began in absolute silence as the judges took to the bench and requested the presence of the defendants. The names of the defendants and witnesses were read out. Police officers wore hoods and were heavily armed.

The next hearing will take place on November 25.