Turkish Cypriot media said negative responses from Greek Cypriot football fans had prompted a decision not to allow 35-year-old Demetris Vassiliou to participate in a match with his new team in the north — Degirmenlik — on Sunday.
The reports said the decision had been taken to ensure the player’s safety.
His new team’s president Amir Ali Ortourtz said the player had been transferred as part of an agreement between the Cyprus Football Association and Turkish Cypriot federation aiming to develop ties. The federations were aware of potential negative reactions, he said, according to the reports.
Vassiliou had previously plied his trade in the Cyprus First Division with teams such as Omonia and Ermis Aradippou, as well as playing in the lower leagues. His venture north triggered negative comments from local fans on social media.
Cyprus Weekly
