The football club “Gabala” made a statement in connection with their match against “Apollon”, Cyprus in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
The statement reads, APA reports quoting the official website of the club: “The events that took place in the match of the third qualifying round of the Europa League, “Apollon” – “Gabala” with deep regret, they bring to the attention of the football community that before the match, they informed the management of “Apollon” and UEFA representatives about the importance of taking measures to prevent undesirable incidents. They also informed both parties about the scandals that took place in Cyprus in the matches at club level and international teams previously, where the captain of their team Javid Huseynov, when playing for the national team of Azerbaijan U19, underwent physical pressure from the Cypriot fans during a match against Armenia in Cyprus in 2006.
Its now alleged Fans of “Apollon” attempted to burn the flag of Azerbaijan, but due to protests to members of Apollon club , as well as to the UEFA representative, who was demanding to intervene it was stopped.
“Gabala” strongly opposes such incidents in sports arenas. In this regard, they urge theie fans not to give in to provocations and only support their team during the return match on 6 August, 2015.”
In reply Apollon Limassol have reported Qabala captain Javid Huseynov to UEFA after the Azeri midfielder’s provocative gesture to the fans prompted a 15 minute stoppage during Thursday’s heated Europa League encounter.
Apollon officials were left fuming when Ukrainian referee Serhiy Boiko suspended play in added time after Huseynov tucked away a controversial penalty. Television footage showed the Qabala skipper provocatively thump his fist into the direction of the Apollon fans prompting angry supporters to shower the pitch with bottles and plastic cups.
Boiko stopped play and the game went on to finish 1-1.
Apollon – who are bracing for sanctions by UEFA following the crowd trouble at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium – feel Huseynov’s actions played a detrimental role in the crowd trouble and are seeking Europe’s governing body for football take action against him.
Huseynov, meanwhile, has defended his actions claiming that he lashed out after fans of Apollon had ‘degraded’ the national flag of Azerbaijan.
The second leg will take place in Azerbaijan on Thursday.
APA
