The parents of a Cypriot student – who was running away from football hooligans in Greece when he was hit by a car – have been told by doctors that their son is brain dead.

Police say Nasos Konstantinou, 24, flew to northern Greece to watch the team he supports, PAOK, play Panathinaikos in a Greek Cup tie at the Toumba Stadium.

Investigators say Konstantinou was fleeing from rival Panathinaikos hooligans – who were attacking fans of PAOK – when, under circumstances still being investigated, he ended up being struck by a car. He was immediately rushed to hospital with serious head injuries.

On Wednesday night, the Director at the Papanikolaou Hospital in Thessaloniki, Costas Emmanoulides, said doctors could do no more to help Konstantinou.

“The doctors have confirmed to the patient’s parents that he is brain dead. For us, brain dead means death and no return.”

Reports that Konstantinou had died were refuted late on Wednesday night.

Konstantinou, who is also a student studying in Cyprus, was a footballer himself and had played for several lower league clubs in Paphos.