Empty Gym???

So we started the Greek league last night and it was everything you have heard about the Greek league. We played Panellinios which has historically been a top team in the league. We played in our gym which holds about 3500 people. It isn't the biggest but they pack em in and get crazy. The fan section which is located behind the baseline near our bench, fills up with fans carrying huge flags, signs, and all kinds of noise making devices. Also most of the young men in the crowd go topless which can be a bit scary but hey they are having fun and love basketball.
Ok so about the game. We finally got to start the season amid a player strike by all the Greek players in the league. They are on strike asking for a few things from the league that would guarantee there contracts and help restore the league to where it was before all the economic crisis hit. I will give it to the Greek guys they really are fighting hard to get what they want. Unfortunately it has been hard on the American/foreign guys because we have had to postpone one game last week and had to play last night with only 7 guys. So we went out to play with our 4 american guys plus 2 greek guys and some junior guys. It was a sight for sure.
So we started the game and it was going really well. I was playing well and we were doing our thing to stay in the game. At the half we were only down 5 and definitely had the game swinging in our direction. Coming out at half time we started a little run during which I hit a nice little turn around J in the paint to keep us rolling. That is when it got crazy.
While defending on a fast break I went up and blocked a shot during which the offensive player fell to the ground. While on the ground a fan from our crazy section threw some water on said player which of coarse would make anyone a little pissed. The player jumped up and started toward the stands where his own players held him back. Well I learned very quickly that you do not want to give Greek fans fuel for their fire. His reaction was like giving speed to a tazmanian devil, our fans went nuts! Bottles came flying from everywhere amid chants and middles fingers galour. I must say it was everything you have heard about hooligan soccer fans but in our little confined arena. The noise and tension was incredible. Shortly there after the referees told the players from Panellinios to leave the floor and asked our president to try and calm down the crowd. Well again this action only fueled more fire and the fans had no thoughts of stopping. Well long story short after almost an hour the riot police, yes I said riot police, were able to clear the gym and we continued the last 15 minutes of our game with an empty arena. Yep it was definitely a first for me.
The game ended with us pulling out a 1 point overtime win. Great first greek game of the year! On a short note to some commenters I am for sure taking charge this year and kicking ass and taking names. No more messing around, it is time....
I also have a twitter account now so anyone who is interested in a quicker way to follow me jump on board @Nicholas_Lew on twitter. Just working on some more exposure!