Soccer-Tempers flare as Aris reach Greek Cup semi-finals

By Barney Spender

ATHENS, March 20 (Reuters) - Aris Salonika booked their place in the Greek Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Xanthi that was marred by a late fracas on Thursday.

Goalless after the first leg, the quarter-final second leg in Thessaloniki was going the same way until Bosnian midfielder Sanel Jahic volleyed home a loose ball in the 72nd minute.

Xanthi pressed for an equaliser and tempers flared when they continued with an attack in the last minute despite Aris captain Costas Nebegleras having gone down injured.

Aris defender Avraam Papadopoulos was sent off for his part in the subsequent pushing and shoving before the final whistle.

Aris now take on fellow Super League club Atromitos Athens, while Olympiakos Piraeus face second division Thrasyvoulos in the other semi-final.

(Editing by Trevor Huggins)