One late disputed goal at the end of a Greek league match on Sunday between leaders AEK Athens and title rivals PAOK led to a pitch invasion by one of the team owners, who appeared to be carrying a gun.

Fernando Varela scored with a header in the 90th minute, putting hosts PAOK ahead 1-0 in the northern city of Thessaloniki. The referee signaled a goal but then seemed to disallow it for offside.

PAOK’s owner, businessman Ivan Savvidis, came on the field twice and was accompanied by bodyguards.

On the second occasion, without the overcoat he was wearing before, Savvidis appeared to be carrying a pistol which was in its holder.

PAOK chairman Ivan Savvidis walked onto the field carrying a gun in a holster on Sunday night [Image: REUTERS]

AEK officials claimed Savvidis threatened the referee during his first foray onto the pitch, before being pulled away. They also maintain he also threatened AEK’s operations manager Vassilis Dimitriadis.

AEK say they will file a complaint with FIFA and UEFA, the world and European soccer governing bodies.

PAOK said in a statement: “After what happened today, PAOK chairman Ivan Savvidis is preparing all necessary procedures to protect the team and all his collaborators from the threats and attacks they have been subjected to.

There will be relevant announcements on the issue soon.”

An official statement is expected from the Greek league.