Over hundred football hooligans involved in Limassol brawl (Updated)

Serious incidents between over one hundred hooded and masked men broke out overnight on Wednesday in Limassol, resulting in the injury of a 21-year-old and property damages.

According to the police, the incidents happened shortly before 11pm between groups of hooligans bearing bats, stones, and other objects, who gathered outside the Omonia football club.

Police arriving at the scene following reports from the public, encountered two groups, around 40 from Omonia and 80 from Apollonas, attacking each other with rocks, firecrackers, teargas, and Molotov cocktails.

As a result of the violence a car caught fire, shop windows were smashed, and a 21-year-old man was injured in the elbow. Upon arriving at the hospital he was found to have suffered a fracture.

The perpetrators dispersed into the neighborhoods when the authorities arrived. Police have taken statements and arrested one person so far, found in possession of three Molotov cocktails at the scene.

In reaction on Thursday, the Cyprus Police Association expressed their “disgust and strong condemnation of the incidents”, calling on the government “to take the necessary legal measures to limit and eliminate these unacceptable events.”

They added that they “consider it imperative to speed up the procedures regarding legislation against people covering their faces,” and said they are “ready to contribute by submitting specific proposals to those responsible.”

Additionally, they said the government “should not rule out the closure of some fan clubs” in the fight against football hooliganism.

The Cyprus Mail attempted to contact the police for comment.