Tensions ran high on Saturday as the Cypriot football league resumed following a week-long protest by local referees.
The bombing of the family home of referee Thomas Mouskos had prompted the referees association to steer clear of football pitches for a whole week earlier this month but the problems of local football were made apparent once again on Saturday following trouble at the only two matches on Saturday.
At the Ammochostos Stadium in Larnaca, APOEL officials clashed with stadium security as they attempted to enter the pitch after the Nicosia club recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win.
There were ugly scenes at the main entrance leading onto the pitch as defiant security officials denied access to the club officials and pushing and shoving could be seen. It was then the turn of APOEL coaching staff to clash with security men after the players were refused entry back onto the pitch so that they could warm-down after the game.
The referees were also booed off the pitch by the angry Salamina supporters.
In the earlier game on Saturday, title chasers APOEL looked far from comfortable against struggling Salamina but an early goal from Rafik Djebbour on was enough to allow APOEL go level on points with leaders Apollon Limassol, who face Ethnikos Achna on Monday.
The situation was similar in Paralimni where hosts Ayia Napa were involved in a fiery contest of their own against Ermis Aradippou.
Ermis players and officials had taken exception to what they described as delay tactics by the Ayia Napa players in the closing moments of the game and with the score at 2-1 in favour of the hosts.
There were ugly scenes at the final whistle as players and officials clashed on the sidelines and police were forced to intervene.
Two first half strikes from January signing Ivan Curjuric had put Ayia Napa ahead before Ifeanyi Onyilo struck late on to set-up a tense finale at the Tasos Markou Stadium. Tensions reached boiling point late on when players and officials from both sides came to blows after the final whistle which saw Ayia Napa win 2-1.
Sunday’s games will see Omonia take on Doxa while Anorthosis face Othellos and AEK travel to AEL in the big game.
Cyprus Weekly