Police are on alert amid concerns over possible retaliatory violence following a serious incident late on Sunday night (23 August) at the auxiliary grounds of Ammochostos Stadium, where a Nea Salamina Fan Day event was being held for the club's supporters.
With Nea Salamina set to face AEK Larnaca on 6 September, Larnaca police have stepped up security measures amid fears of a renewed feud between supporters of the two clubs. As a result, the second-round league fixture has already been classified as high risk.
Police possess information suggesting that some of the individuals who stormed the event and attacked people with batons were displaying AEK insignia. Security authorities are therefore analysing CCTV footage in an effort to identify the perpetrators.
The timing of the incident has also raised questions. Although the attack occurred around midnight on Sunday, police issued their official statement several hours later, on Monday afternoon.
Police are investigating offences relating to assault, causing bodily harm and possession of offensive weapons following the attack at the auxiliary grounds of Nea Salamina during an event organised for the club's supporters.
According to the evidence gathered so far, around 30 to 40 individuals approached the venue shortly before midnight and attacked people attending the celebratory event using batons.
Three men aged 21, 23 and 28 were injured.
The 23-year-old sustained minor injuries to his hand and the 28-year-old suffered a head injury. Both were treated at Larnaca General Hospital and discharged.
The 21-year-old was transferred to Nicosia General Hospital for treatment after suffering a facial fracture. Doctors said his condition is not life-threatening.
Criticism of police response
Meanwhile, the board of Nea Salamina Famagusta issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms what it described as a cowardly attack on four club volunteers by a group of masked individuals late on Sunday night.
According to the club, after the conclusion of the Fan Day event, which it described as an established annual gathering for supporters, volunteers remained on site to protect equipment used during the event. While there, they were subjected to what the club called an unprovoked and organised attack, resulting in serious injuries and hospital treatment.
The club further expressed concern and strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the incident by police, stating that, according to reports from local residents, authorities had been informed about the presence of disorderly individuals around Ammochostos Stadium before the attack took place.
"The board expresses its full support and solidarity with the injured volunteers and supporters of our club and wishes them a speedy and full recovery," the statement said.
The club added that it will submit an official complaint to police and provide all available evidence and material relating to the incident.
"We demand a full, objective and thorough investigation into the attack, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible.
"Violence, fanaticism and the targeting of people who volunteer in sport have no place either in football or in our society," the club said.
