Two more arrests over weekend football violence

Two more men have been arrested on Wednesday in connection with the violent incidents that took place during the Apollon – Apoel football match at the Tsirio stadium over the weekend.

Evidence emerged against the suspects after police published the photos of the wanted persons for the case.

Three others, aged 17, 23 and 25, have been remanded for five days for the incidents which resulted to the latter’s injury.

The violent incidents also led police to revisit the possibility of banning fans from specific games.

Trouble first broke out before the match when Apollon fans attacked Limassol traffic police outside the stadium on Sunday. One officer required first aid for cuts and abrasions while one fan stole the officer’s cap and others spray-painted patrol cars.

Thereafter, a large group of Apoel fans attempted to force their way into the stadium bypassing the entry guards. Police came to the aid of the guards and the fans were slowed and checked as required by law.

Soon after the match began, an estimated 30 fans from both teams got into a fight inside the football pitch, throwing stones, flares and advertising plaques. Anti-riot police, who had been stationed outside the stadium, entered and broke up the brawls, arresting three people, aged 17, 23 and 25.

All three suspects were taken into custody, while the 25-year-old was taken by ambulance to a private hospital in Limassol to be treated for a broken nose.

Following the end of the match, fans of both teams gathered and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police.

The water-cannon Aiantas was employed by police to break up the crowd and some of the attackers were forcibly removed from the scene.

Earlier this week, police and football stakeholders held a joint meeting to improve things within football teams and fan clubs and prevent future incidents.