Around 50 individuals with their faces covered and armed with various objects stormed the Omonia fan club premises in Lakatamia last night, causing extensive damage and injuring three people. The incident took place after the Omonia-APOEL derby, which Omonia won 2-1.
According to police reports, the masked group entered the club around 11 PM on Sunday night, destroying property and assaulting three patrons. The injured- two men aged 30 and 33, and a 68-year-old woman- were taken to the Nicosia General Hospital for examination. Fortunately, their condition is reported as stable, and they were discharged after receiving first aid.
The violence did not stop there. A separate incident connected to the derby saw a woman arrested for verbally assaulting police officers outside the stadium. Additionally, a vehicle was damaged near the stadium, prompting its owner to file a complaint with the police.
Police presence in the area managed to prevent further damage, intercepting suspects who intended to vandalise property near the stadium. The suspects fled the scene as police intervened. Investigations are ongoing.
Also read: 18-year-old wanted in Paphos for violent assault on elderly women
Update (20/05):
2 suspects held, 56 more sought
Two suspects, aged 40 and 22, have been remanded in custody for eight days in connection with a violent attack on the premises of a pro-Omonia supporters’ club in Lakatamia, Nicosia, on Sunday night.
The Nicosia District Court granted the police request for extended detention despite defence objections, which argued that a two-day detention would be sufficient.
What happened:
According to police testimony, around 30 individuals on motorbikes and in cars, many with faces covered and wearing APOEL insignia, arrived at the supporters’ club around 10:25 p.m. on 18 May.
Armed with blunt weapons, they shattered windows, stormed the building, and assaulted patrons and staff. Three people were taken to Nicosia General Hospital with head and hand injuries.
Key evidence & investigation progress:
- CCTV footage shows a vehicle arriving and three individuals exiting moments before the attack. The vehicle is linked to the 40-year-old suspect.
- A second car seen in the area is registered to the 22-year-old suspect, who denies involvement.
- 15 witness statements have been taken, with up to 70 more planned, including from friends, family, co-workers, and residents near the site.
- Eight CCTV systems have been reviewed, with four more pending analysis.
Police are also investigating whether the suspects held valid fan ID cards (Κάρτα Φιλάθλου).
In total, around 56 individuals are being sought in connection with the incident.
Legal charges under investigation include:
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
- Illegal entry
- Riot
- Malicious damage
- Possession of offensive weapons
- Armed intent to commit felony
- Public disturbance
- Assault causing actual bodily harm
Defence objections:
The defence, led by lawyer Louis Markou, questioned the scale of the police investigation team (only three officers) and challenged the justification for eight days’ detention, calling it premature and excessive.
They argued that the suspects are unlikely to interfere with CCTV evidence, biometric data, or testimonies from local residents.
The court sided with the prosecution, citing the risk of witness tampering and the scope of the investigation.
