Major Arrests Made Over Limassol Football Violence
Limassol has been hit by a wave of violence following the abandonment of a derby football match between AEL and Apollon, leading to the arrest of several individuals. On Wednesday, three more arrests were made in connection to the chaotic events, bringing the total number of people taken into custody to seven. The incident, which took place inside and outside Limassol’s Alphamega Stadium, involved unruly behavior from fans who entered the stadium without tickets and caused disturbances that forced the match to be called off.
The Arrests and Charges Linked to Limassol Football Violence
In connection with the Limassol football violence, the first two individuals arrested on Wednesday were aged 25 and 23. They were charged with illegally entering a sports venue and contributing to the cancellation of the match. Their actions were part of a larger outbreak of violence that saw several fans causing disruptions inside the stadium.
Earlier, a 34-year-old man was also arrested on Tuesday night. He, too, was charged in connection to the same event. On Wednesday, the court ordered that all three individuals remain in custody for four days while investigations continue.
Later that day, another arrest was made. A 22-year-old, believed to be one of those who entered the stadium without a ticket, was taken into custody as part of the ongoing crackdown on those involved in the Limassol football violence.
Arrests from Sunday’s Events
Sunday’s violent scenes also led to the arrest of a 21-year-old, an 18-year-old, and two 17-year-olds. These individuals were apprehended after the match was abandoned. They were seen outside AEL’s fan club attempting to flee in a vehicle, which was later searched, and a metal bar was discovered inside. All four were taken into custody and appeared in court on Tuesday, where they were remanded for seven days.
In addition to those arrested, police have identified three more individuals connected to the Limassol football violence, but they have yet to be apprehended. This brings the total number of suspects initially linked to the violence to 32.
The Incident at Alphamega Stadium
The trouble started on Sunday evening during the Limassol derby at Alphamega Stadium. Fans without tickets forced their way into the stadium, triggering chaos both inside and outside the venue. The situation escalated when flares were set off in the stands, and police discovered Molotov cocktails.
Police then ordered everyone inside the stadium to leave so they could be checked for tickets and any banned items. However, the fans refused to comply, leading to the abandonment of the match. This incident has become one of the most notable episodes of Limassol football violence, prompting widespread outrage and a strong response from authorities.
Government and CFA Response to the Violence
Cyprus’ Justice Minister, Marios Hartsiotis, was quick to condemn the actions of the individuals involved in the Limassol football violence. On Tuesday, Hartsiotis called for football clubs to isolate the groups of “mindless thugs” responsible for these actions. He highlighted that flares were fired at people simply trying to do their jobs, putting many at risk.
Hartsiotis also criticized the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) for not taking stronger preventative measures before the match. The government had reportedly urged the CFA to act more decisively, but sufficient action was not taken to prevent the violence that unfolded. The Justice Minister’s comments reflect a growing frustration with the recurring issues of violence in football stadiums.
Previous Ban on Away Fans Lifted
The events of Sunday’s Limassol football violence came just three weeks after away fans were allowed back into stadiums. Earlier in the year, a ban had been imposed on away supporters due to repeated incidents of violence. This ban was lifted as part of efforts to restore a sense of normalcy in football matches across Cyprus.
Justice Minister Hartsiotis had supported extending the ban into the new football season, but the CFA’s board of directors unanimously decided to lift it. Unfortunately, the violence at the Limassol derby has reignited concerns about allowing away fans back into stadiums.
Past Incidents of Limassol Football Violence
Limassol has experienced several other instances of football-related violence in recent months. In January, during a Coca Cola Cup match between Nea Salamina and Apoel, a firecracker was launched from the stands, striking a player in the head and reportedly causing damage to his hearing. The incident led to a temporary ban on away fans at football matches.
Just a few days later, another Limassol derby was also abandoned due to violence. These repeated incidents highlight the growing concern over fan behavior and the need for stricter measures to ensure the safety of players, staff, and spectators.
Ongoing Investigation and Efforts to Tackle Violence
As investigations into the Limassol football violence continue, authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice. With more arrests likely to follow, the police and the government are working together to ensure that football matches in Cyprus remain safe and free from the kinds of disturbances seen at Alphamega Stadium.
The recent arrests serve as a warning to anyone thinking of engaging in violent behavior at sports venues. The Limassol football violence has triggered a strong response from both law enforcement and the government, and efforts to crack down on this kind of behavior will continue.
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