Former Anorthosis Famagusta and Omonia midfielder Stelios Kittos has launched a scathing attack against his critics after making the controversial switch across the divide to sign for Turkish Cypriot club Degirmenlik.
Kittos, who enjoyed trophy success during his time at refugee club Anorthosis alongside Temuri Ketsbaia and also played for Omonia and Aris, signed for Degirmenlik in the Turkish-occupied town of Kythrea this week alongside fellow Greek Cypriot Michalis Michael – a former lower league player who spent most of his career at ASIL Lysis.
The pair’s transfer brought the total of Greek Cypriot footballers in the north to four. In October last year, 36-year-old Demetris Vassiliou, received a volley of abuse and even threats of violence after becoming the first Greek Cypriot to join a Turkish Cypriot club (also Degirmenlik) and he was soon followed by 29-year-old Argyris Christofi.
“I went to the occupied area to do what I know and love – to play football as opposed to our side where I am not allowed to do so,” Kittos posted on his Facebook page. “At 28 when I got injured, I ended up being forced to play in the lower divisions for pittance for no top division side gave me a chance.”
Kittos then went on to accuse some people of having double standards, particularly those who have criticised him for “betraying” his country.
“I suppose it is OK to go to the casinos and to travel abroad via the occupied areas? But to play football is a crime! Some people with complex problems need to shut up and to look at themselves!”
The Cyprus Footballers Union (PASP) issued an announcement yesterday calling for a special fund to be set up to help financially struggling footballers and to stop them from crossing over to play in the north.
Apart from some football fans, Kittos was also on the end of criticism from a high-ranking official of the Cyprus Sports Organisation who called on Cyprus Football Association (CFA) sanctions to be imposed on Greek Cypriot players moving to the north.
Cyprus Weekly