Police arrested 41 football fans on Sunday following violent scenes during the high-profile match between Limassol hosts AEL and visitors APOEL. Referee Demetris Masias was forced to stop the game on 14 minutes – moments after APOEL’s John Arne Riise had given his side the lead – after supporters situated in the APOEL stands began throwing smoke bombs and running onto the pitch.
Just when police thought they had brought the fans under control, fans of the home side decided to stage a similar pitch invasion forcing another stoppage from the match official. The second incident had forced Masias and his assistants to retreat to the dressing rooms while opposing fans began hurling things at each other.
It was during those ugly scenes that AEL defender Valentinos Sielis was reportedly hurt by a firework that fell and subsequently exploded close to him. He got up moments later and continued playing. The total stoppage came to about 20 minutes.
Police moved in on the APOEL fans after the game as they attempted to board a bus back to Nicosia outside the Tsirio Stadium where the game took place. According to witnesses, Anti-Riot Police (MMAD) entered the coach and began pulling out travelling fans. More arrests followed involving AEL supporters. Meawhile, an arrest warrant has been issued against a man in connection with Sunday’s violence. AEL went on to win the game 2-1 after goals from Marco Tagbajumi and hand APOEL their second defeat of the domestic season.
Cyprus Weekly