A major police operation with hundreds of officers could not stop violence at a high-risk football match in Limassol, Cyprus, on Thursday. The game was between local rivals AEL and Apollon. There were many arrests and one police officer was hurt. This has caused more worry about football violence in Cyprus.
Before the match, police suggested the game should happen without any fans. However, the Cyprus Football Association did not accept this idea. The trouble started early on match day when groups of fans fought outside a club in the city center. Because of this, police prepared a big operation with over three hundred officers, including special anti-riot teams.
During the day, fans caused a lot of problems. Police checked people carefully at the stadium gates. But violence also happened in the city streets. Before the game, about fifty motorcyclists blocked traffic. Other fans set off flares and firecrackers. In a very dangerous moment, someone fired a marine flare at police officers. Police arrested four people. One of them, a 34-year-old man, was holding pyrotechnics near the stadium.
Those arrested now face serious charges. These include taking part in riots, having illegal explosives, and resisting arrest. One person also had a small amount of drugs. The police officer who was injured needed to go to the hospital.
This event asks big questions about how to manage dangerous football matches. People will now look closely at why the football association did not listen to the police's safety advice. Although fans watched the game, the violence shows a continuing problem. Authorities will probably need to review their security plans for future matches.