President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has said that the state is determined to take measures to combat violence among fans in athletic stadiums, noting that it is time to act as they did in Britain during the Thatcher era.
The President, who was speaking Friday evening at an event on the occasion for the 60th anniversary of Apollon Limassol Football Club, said that the state can not tolerate violence among fans and is determined to take immediate action.
It `s time to act as they did in Britain during the Thatcher era”, the President said.
The President was referring to the clashes which took place on Tuesday between fans of Cyprus` football teams APOEL and AEL. The incidents occurred at the highway outside the GSP stadium before the match. Nine fans and six police officers were injured, while a 27-year-old man lost an eye when hit by one of the rocks that fans were throwing.
“Hooligans” Anastasiades said, should be removed from the stadiums, so that families and young people who are sports fans can return to the stadiums