Original 21

Original 21
Type	Supporters, Ultras group
Territory	Greece
Years active	1982–present
Club	AEK Athletic Club

Original (Greek: Ορίτζιναλ 21), is the name of the association, which consists of many supporters groups of the Greek multi-sports club AEK Athletic Club. Officially founded in 1982, Original 21 is the biggest supporters' union of AEK. Original 21 has members from all over Greece and has over the years become a part of the club by affecting club decisions and by following the club on all possible occasions.

History

Origins

Original 21 was created in 1975, as Gate 21, taking its name from Gate 21 of the Nikos Goumas Stadium, in Nea Filadelfeia, from where its hardcore fans watched the team's games. From 1982, when a second stand molding was constructed on the opposite door doors of Gate 21 (9-11) and after it was split from Gate 21, the "seat" of the Original 21 was moved to those doors, henceforth known as "Skepasti". The name of Original 21 comes from the translation of "Genuine Gate 21".

After the demolition of the historic stadium of AEK in 2003, and the use of the Olympic Sports Center of Athens (OAKA), the association has made its "headquarters" one of the two horses, that at Gates 1-35, just opposite the other Horseshoe of the stadium, at gate 21. It has a total of 60 sub-links in various parts of the world, in Greece, Cyprus, London and two important Greek communities in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne. The "central" club and headquarters of the organization is the so-called "Domatiaki" in the Square of the Argentine Republic, in the area of ​​Alexandra Avenue, near the Panathinaikos stadium.

Today

A historic moment in the course of the organization was the departure of its natural leader, Dimitris Hatzichristos, who left its ranks with the demotion of AEK FC. Since then, Original 21 has not had a person who can be described as the leader of the organization.

Friendships

A so-called "triangle of brotherhood" has developed between the largest left-wing fan clubs of AEK, Marseille and Livorno. The connection is mostly an ideological one. On 25 April 2013, Fenerbahçe fans lifted a banner supporting AEK Athens, saying "AEK, ΚΡΑΤΑ ΓΕΡΑ", meaning "AEK, hold on tightly". The clubs are also connected by Lefter Küçükandonyadis, who played for both teams. However, it is not confirmed whether the clubs have a brotherhood. Also, AEK's and St. Pauli's left-wing fans, have a strong friendship and their connection is mostly for ideological reasons.

See also

• AEK Athletic Club