Ongoing football violence prompts arrests in Limassol, Nicosia
Police arrested three people in Nicosia and Limassol in the wake of the latest football matches, and a teenager was injured, it emerged on Wednesday.
According to the police, the first arrest was made on Tuesday after the end of the match in Limassol, between Apollo and Apoel, as fans departed the Alphamega stadium.
During their exit two groups of fans broke off and started attacking each other. Police anti-riot units responded immediately to restore order and arrested a 22-year-old Nicosia resident for using an object as an offensive weapon and concealing his face with a hood.
The suspect is being held in custody at the Episkopi police station while investigations are underway.
Additionally, around 10pm police reported receiving information that a 15-year-old Limassol resident was taken injured to a private clinic in the city.
Police interviewed the 15-year-old, who allegedly reported having been attacked, along with his 17-year-old friend, by a group of seven hooded men, supporters of the opposing team. The attackers allegedly assaulted the two youths with punches, kicks, and a bat.
Medical examinations found the 15-year-old to be suffering from bruising and cuts to his head and neck, and he was kept for treatment, while the 17-year-old appears to have escaped unscathed.
The case is under ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile in Nicosia, two men were arrested at the start of the Omoneia – Ael match for throwing flares in the stands of the GSP stadium. The two 19-year-olds, who were also hooded, were arrested and searched. Nine more flares were found in their possession.
The two youths were arrested for spontaneous offenses and taken into custody, while later today they are expected to appear before court to register a case against them.
Strovolos police are furthering the investigation.