Football Cup Match in Cyprus Cancelled Due to Stadium Disruptions

Another match was disrupted in Cyprus due to violence from football fans. The football derby within the framework of the Cyprus Cup between "Apollon" and "AEL" was canceled due to a brawl involving fans of both teams.

The match was supposed to start yesterday at 19:00 at the "Alphamega" stadium in Limassol. Tension outside the stadium escalated before the game due to the exchange of fireworks and flares between fans, leading to immediate police intervention.

"AEL" fans stormed the field, and signal flares were thrown onto the stands occupied by "Apollon" fans. Police in full gear were forced to intervene in the situation.

Match officials decided to postpone the start of the game to 19:20, giving the police the opportunity to restore order. Once the situation calmed down and fans returned to the stands, players, coaches, and referees attempted to return to the field.

However, fans continued to throw objects onto the field, and the situation only worsened. At 19:40, the game was officially canceled.

The incident involving the match cancellation has already been commented on by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who stated that the misconduct of football fans "cannot be tolerated anymore."

The head of state also added that he has already contacted the Minister of Justice, Marios Hatzikostas, regarding the situation.

It is worth reminding that earlier, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) banned away fans from participating in all official football matches until the end of the season. The decision was made after a flare launched from the stands hit a player on the head during the Coca-Cola Cup match between "Nea Salamina" and "APOEL" on January 16.

Yesterday's Limassol derby, along with the match between "Ethnikos" and "Aris" played in Akhna, was supposed to be the last attended by away fans.