Greece captain Tasos Bakasetas condemns 'jokes' following George Baldock's death

Greece captain Tasos Bakasetas has hit out at the country's media over their coverage of George Baldock's tragic passing, saying "jokes" and "insinuations" were made

Greece captain Tasos Bakasetas has hit out at parts of the Greek media for "telling jokes" and making "insinuations" after George Baldock's tragic death.

The 31-year-old, who was also Baldock's club team-mate at Panathinaikos, made the comments after his side secured a historic 2-1 win at Wembley Stadium thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis' heroic brace which included a 94th-minute winner.

Speaking to reporters, he said: "I consider it the most important victory of my life. And I am really very proud.

"With these children we share the locker room of the national team, we are inside the stadium, because everyone gave their lives today from the first minute despite the tragic news . This is where I think a full stop comes in as far as football is concerned.

"I want to dedicate this victory of course to George, to his family, to send them our strength and us doing everything we could. Furthermore, it is a shame that some of your colleagues, I won't say all, because there are some who do their job exceptionally well, used this tragedy by writing and telling jokes, leaving insinuations.

"This has to stop, because above everyone and everything you have to be human. Some have not understood this and it is really a great shame what we saw before the game.

READ MORE: Baldock cause of death as England and Greece pay tribute

READ MORE: Greece players make emotional Baldock tribute

"They disrespected first of all George's family and then all of us who had that contact with them." The family of Baldock confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the former Sheffield United defender's official cause of death was drowning after he was found unresponsive in his swimming pool.

His former Greece team-mates paid a fitting tribute to their late colleague by recording their first-ever win over England and becoming the lowest-ranked side ever to win at Wembley in the process.

Two-goal match-winner Pavlidis later added: "It was a very special day and match for us. Our thoughts are with George.

"We are professionals and had to play the match. We gave our soul for him tonight.

"Today is not a day to talk about football. He was part of our team. We will miss him very much.

"Also we wish strength to his family and not talk about football. The whole day was numb.

"We won tonight and don't want to celebrate. There are just no words."

Greece had made a request to UEFA to postpone the match but the Nations League fixture was ordered to go ahead.