Authorities in Limassol have significantly increased security measures for Sunday's important football match between local rivals AEL and Apollon. This decision comes after a serious outbreak of violence on Thursday evening, which caused damage to property and led to several arrests. The event has cast a shadow over the city's football culture. It also led to a high-level meeting between police and club officials and started a public argument with the national football association about who is responsible for security.
The trouble began near the Apollon club’s headquarters. According to police, a group of AEL fans attacked the building. They threw fireworks and homemade firebombs, known as Molotov cocktails. The attackers also set a rubbish bin on fire and damaged several parked cars before running away when the police arrived. This incident highlighted the intense and often violent rivalry between the two Limassol clubs.
In response to the violence, police searched a supporters' clubhouse on Friday. There, they found a collection of potential weapons. These included wooden poles, and one of them had a metal spike attached to it, showing a clear intention for violence. The investigation continued, and on Saturday, police arrested two men, aged 19 and 21, in connection with the organized attack.
To try and reduce tensions before the Sunday evening match at the Alphamega stadium, the deputy police chief held an emergency meeting with both clubs' leaders. Afterwards, they released a joint statement, asking fans to "calm down their aggressive talk and to ensure that last week's incidents become a thing of the past." This request shows they understand that aggressive language often leads to physical fights.
However, a disagreement has arisen between the police and the Cyprus Football Association (CFA). The CFA has publicly criticized the police, saying they changed their original advice by suggesting the match should have fewer fans or be played without any spectators at all. This criticism points to a bigger conflict about how to balance public safety with the commercial and community spirit of the game. The CFA seems to oppose measures that would punish all fans.
The upcoming derby is now a major test for Limassol. The increased security will not only try to prevent more violence but will also show how well the clubs and authorities can work together. The public argument between the CFA and the police makes the situation more difficult. It suggests that finding a long-term solution will require more than just extra security on the day of the match. Everyone will be watching the outcome to see if Cyprus can control football-related violence or if the destructive behaviour of a few fans will continue to damage the sport's reputation.