APOEL has issued a statement criticising the ongoing APOEL banner investigation, after police announced they were probing racist or abusive slogans and symbols displayed during Sunday’s football match against Freedom 24 Krasava ENY at the “Ammochostos” stadium.
In its announcement, the club said:
“It would be better for the Cyprus Police to investigate those who desecrate and exploit the history of Cyprus and our National Heroes, rather than waste time and resources on supposed investigations that serve only empty sensationalism. Over an issue that has already occupied the whole of Cyprus- from the President of the Republic, to political parties, to every citizen- the unthinkable claim of alleged abusive behaviour concerns exclusively the APOEL fan base.”
The statement added:
“For those concerned about the end of the Eagle of Stauraios, we inform them that he remains immortal.”
The remarks follow police confirmation that a banner with insulting language was displayed in the APOEL supporters’ section before kick-off. Authorities are investigating possible offences under the 2008 Law on the Prevention and Suppression of Violence in Sports Venues, which prohibits racist or abusive slogans and symbols.
Investigators have already obtained CCTV footage from the stadium and are working to identify those responsible.
The APOEL banner investigation comes just a day after widespread attention to the incident, with debate extending beyond sport to the political sphere.
Also read: Police investigate Fidias banner incident at Larnaca match
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