The Cyprus Police Association (CPA) expressed strong outrage and frustration over serious incidents at the GSP stadium in Nicosia following the APOEL–AEK football match, describing the events as “complete lawlessness and purely criminal acts.”
According to the Police Press Office, around 150 individuals moved toward the west stand, where the club administration was located. Officers intervened to push them back, using tear gas. Fans responded by throwing stones at the police.
The clashes damaged five police vehicles.
Organised attacks and destruction
According to the CPA, the violence went far beyond typical fan behaviour, escalating into organised attacks against both police officers and public property. The association noted unprecedented damage to patrol cars and official vehicles, which it described as a direct attack on the state and taxpayers.
Theft of police equipment
The CPA expressed particular concern over the theft of police equipment from the damaged vehicles. The association warned that civilians possessing or using police equipment commit a serious felony and pose major risks to public safety.
Calls for immediate action
The CPA criticised the vulnerability of police officers, arguing they cannot be left “at the mercy of organised strike teams operating under urban guerrilla conditions.” It called for the full use of available resources, including CCTV footage and witness testimony, to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities should ensure that anyone found in possession of stolen police equipment faces immediate prosecution.
Questions over security measures
The association raised questions about how the escalation of violence to widespread looting occurred and highlighted the need to fully equip police officers who manage extremely dangerous situations with sufficient resources.
Defending the police institution
The CPA stated it will not remain a bystander to the undermining of the police institution, viewing the destruction of vehicles and theft of equipment as the final stage of anarchy cultivated in sports venues. It concluded by asking society: “Do the people of Cyprus want a Police force capable of enforcing the law or a Police force that becomes a target for criminals?”
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