Essien must wait

Ghana star Michael Essien will have to wait further to make his debut for Greek giants Panathinaikos as violence caused Saturday's Athens derby to be called off.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan star was in line to make his Greek Super League debut for the Greens after overcoming several months of injury.

But a violent fans display which saw Olympiacos striker Alfred Finnbogason hit by a flare as his visiting team took to the pitch.

Fans threw broken chairs and advertisements at police after the match was called off and more than 50 people were arrested in the melee.

The crowd should have a good atmosphere like in these photos but nothing more, it ruins the sport. #Panathinaikos pic.twitter.com/XCQo57D50w

Michael Kantaris (@grkmikey95) November 22, 2015

The Athens derby has a history of violence and is often considered one of the most dangerous rivalries in Europe. Fan violence has gotten so bad in Greece that opposing supporters are not allowed to attend away matches.

Panathinaikos PresidentGiannis Alafouzos has offered to resign in the midst of the chaos which is still a talking point in Greece.

Essien joined Panathinaikos in the summer as a free agent after leaving AC Milan but has had the start of his season disturbed by injuries and was set to play his maiden game on Saturday.