We support and love PAO as much as the PAO fans in Greece do

Born and raised in Australia, I proudly identify as a Greek-Australian. Growing up, I was immersed in a household that cherished football, particularly with a deep-rooted love for Panathinaikos. While my grandparents were loyal supporters of AEK and Olympiakos, I chose to follow my father's passion and became a devoted fan of Panathinaikos. This allegiance has spanned over 38 years and continues to thrive and hope this continue through my son.

With my son

In the early days, our access to watching the games was limited to occasional international sports TV broadcasts of our European matches, as well as radio and newspapers. Discussions about football were primarily reserved for face-to-face gatherings with friends and family or conversations over the telephone. As technology advanced, we gained the ability to watch games live through streaming services and connect with the global community via social media to share our thoughts and experiences.

I was fortunate to visit Greece in 1994 and witness Panathinaikos triumph over FC Pirin with a 6-1 victory at the historic Olympic Stadium. I've also had the privilege of attending domestic matches against Athinaikos, Levadiakos, and Apollon. As I've grown older and traveled more extensively, I've had the opportunity to watch Panathinaikos compete in the Euroleague against Lokomotiv Moscow in 2007 and face Athletic Bilbao in Europa League qualifiers. I've even attended an away match against Platanias and watched a volleyball game with just 50 spectators in attendance. One of the most memorable experiences was meeting and greeting Panathinaikos players at a Christmas event held at Leoforos in 2001, where I had the chance to interact with legends like Karagounis and Seitaridis.

3-2 win vs Apollon at Rizoupoli

Karagounis recently in Sydney

Thanks to the internet, we now feel much closer to the team and have been able to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, forming communities such as PAO Fans International. Our group is a tight-knit collective from Australia, England, America, Canada, and Wales. While we don't receive information directly from the sources, we diligently sift through opinion pieces and news sites to find accurate and factual reports, which we then discuss among ourselves. To further engage with our community, we have ventured into recording podcasts, sharing articles, and publishing blogs and polls. Despite not having direct access to journalists or on-the-ground news, we make the most of the resources available to us to stay informed and connected

With Ouzounidis post Platania game 2017

Spotted on TV vs Platania from a friend

The internet has revolutionised the accessibility of football, making it easier than ever to follow teams from around the world. For outsiders of Greece like us, it might be tempting to support a high-profile EPL team with its substantial revenue, marketability, and ability to attract top talent. However, Panathinaikos remains my unwavering first choice, and I follow the team with unwavering dedication. Being fans of a team in a smaller market, like PAO and the Greek League, presents its own set of challenges for those of us residing outside of Greece. We often feel overlooked or ignored by the fans and media within Greece, and our opinions can sometimes be dismissed or ignored. Additionally, the commerce aspect can be problematic, as the online store is not user-friendly for international purchases, both in the Football and Basketball departments.

My photo vs Atletico Bilbao in Gate 13

Despite these challenges, our love for PAO remains undiminished. Watching games from Australia poses its own set of hurdles, with matches often kicking off between 2 am and 6 am on a Monday morning. During fixture congestions, we might even find ourselves watching games on Thursday or Friday mornings. Our dedication to PAO can leave us feeling quite tired as we head to work and spend time with our families. Personally, I've watched all of PAO's games from the European qualifiers onwards. Some days have been incredibly rewarding, filled with high emotions, while others have been more challenging, leading to moments of disappointment. Nevertheless, our passion for PAO keeps us committed and connected, no matter the obstacles we face.

Outside Gate 13 2017

We don't seek sympathy, nor do we international fans ask for it. We love PAO just as passionately as any local fan, and all we ask is to be respected and embraced as the devoted PAO supporters that we are.