Police investigating attempted murder after officer injured by naval flare
Police on Friday have launched an investigation into attempted murder following the injury of a police officer during violent incidents the previous night ahead of the high-risk football match between AEL and Apollon in Limassol. The injured o
Police on Friday have launched an investigation into attempted murder following the injury of a police officer during violent incidents the previous night ahead of the high-risk football match between AEL and Apollon in Limassol.
The injured officer, a member of the police’s motorised unit, sustained acute auditory trauma and a minor burn to his right hip when a naval flare thrown at the Apollon team’s convoy struck his parked motorcycle. He had dismounted moments before the impact, narrowly avoiding more severe injuries.
Earlier, the chief of police ordered an internal investigation to examine whether the force made any omissions in managing the potentially volatile situation ahead of the high-risk football match in Limassol.
The trouble began around 5pm when the Apollon team’s bus, escorted by motorised police officers, was en route to the stadium for their scheduled match against AEL. Unknown individuals threw multiple naval flares at the bus, and one flare landed on a police officer’s motorcycle seat.
Following the incident, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis condemned the use of naval flares, stating they are prohibited and warning that anyone caught using them against another person would face prosecution for attempted murder.
Earlier in the season, the police chief had sent a letter to the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), urging them to ban fan movement and penalise fan clubs for flare use. “We are advancing the completion of the legal framework to address violence at stadiums and are reviewing specific legal aspects,” Hartsiotis said.
Later that evening, a mob of football hooligans caused significant damage to the Nikos Solomonides indoor basketball stadium. The incidents occurred during a match between AEL and Apollon at Limassol’s Alphamega Stadium, which was limited to 5,000 spectators and guarded by police.
While the football match itself proceeded without incident, Apollon fans gathered near AEL’s indoor stadium and then entered the adjacent Nikos Solomonides stadium around 8pm through an open side door. According to police, the group vandalised the facility, smashing trophy cases, sports equipment, clothing, and other items.
“The match had been classified as high risk, which is why 182 police officers were deployed to maintain order,” police spokeswoman Kyriaki Lambrianidou told CyBC. “These incidents are shameful and unacceptable.”
Police investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible. Officers are questioning suspects and witnesses, while evidence from CCTV footage is expected to lead to arrests.
The Isotita police union expressed relief that the injured officer had not been more seriously harmed and called on the government to expedite legislation targeting football hooliganism.
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