Club condemns scenes as “shameful”
Anorthosis Famagusta has announced it will proceed with an official complaint following incidents that occurred during its match against AEK at the AEK Arena in Larnaca, describing scenes that the club said “cause shame” and placed children at risk.
The club’s press spokesperson, Stella Markou, said the situation escalated to such an extent that young children had to be physically removed from the stands to ensure their safety.
“As I said on the same day, this is an incident that causes shame. We had to take small children into our own hands and move them away from their parents so they would be safe. This is not an exaggeration,” Markou stated.
What police say happened
In a statement following the incidents, Cyprus Police said the episode occurred during halftime of the AEK–Anorthosis match at AEK Arena.
According to police, Anorthosis supporters became involved in an altercation with a stadium steward. Officers intervened in an effort to restore order, during which individual pepper spray was used.
Police said two officers sustained minor injuries to their hands during the incident. No arrests were made at the scene, however authorities confirmed that closed-circuit television footage from the stadium will be reviewed in an effort to identify those involved.
Questions over police response
Despite the police explanation, Anorthosis confirmed it will not allow the matter to pass without further action.
“We will proceed with a complaint. We will certainly not leave it like this,” Markou said, while questioning the necessity of police entering the stands and using spray.
“In no Anorthosis match has anything serious taken place. What kind of scuffle allows police to enter the stands and use spray, because that is what was stated by the police?” she asked.
Defence of supporters and rejection of violence
Markou also defended Anorthosis supporters, saying they have consistently demonstrated responsible behaviour and strong support for the team, particularly during difficult periods.
“No one can toy with the people of Anorthosis. Our supporters teach what true fandom means, standing by the team when it is going through hard times,” she said.
She concluded by stressing that the club does not support violence in any form, sharing a personal account from the events.
“We are not in favour of any form of violence. I was personally holding a three-year-old child to take them safely out of the stands,” she said.
Video footage from the incident, showing police entering the Anorthosis stand and using spray, has circulated online and is included below.
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