Shocking fan behaviour spoiled a good pre-game climate between Apoel and Asteras on Thursday, after fans of the Nicosia team showed the ugly side of football causing the club to make a startling announcement.
Apoel announced on Friday that all tickets to the Omonia game will not be honoured due to the unacceptable behaviour of its fans during the game in Tripoli, Greece. They are also cancelling Saturday’s Fan Day because of the events.
The actions of some of the fans raised an eyebrow with even the strongest supporters of the team, who were shouting obscenities at their own in front of the TV.
Before the game could even begin, Apoel fans began throwing flares on the pitch and carried on during the Europa League match. Even warnings through loud speakers were not enough to put a stop to this behaviour.
As flares were posing a physical threat to the players, the referee suspended the game in the 70th minute for about 15 minutes by the referee, in order to put out a fire caused by the flares. The game ended with Asteras beating Apoel 2-0.
Even though Greek Police arrested eight Apoel fans before start of the game, six for carrying dangerous objects (flares) and two for illegal drug possession (hashish), the checks were random so others managed to pass through gate security.
Cyprus Weekly