Minor disturbances were reported outside AEK Arena on Thursday (23 July) before the start of the AEK Larnaca-Beitar Jerusalem match in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.
Police intervened, deploying among other measures the Aiantas water-cannon vehicle, while a 24-year-old Israeli national was arrested.
According to the official police account, groups of AEK and Beitar supporters became involved in clashes outside the stadium, with security forces intervening immediately to prevent the incidents from escalating.
Security measures were reinforced around both AEK Arena and the new GSZ area in order to restore order.
The tension appears to have been triggered when problems arose at the stadium entrances, prompting Israeli supporters to move towards the parking area in search of shade amid extremely high temperatures. This movement, however, contributed to confusion and unrest.
Despite the incidents, the situation was quickly brought under control. Fortunately, there was no continuation of the violence and no serious injuries were reported.
Police announced the arrest of a 24-year-old Israeli supporter who was brought before the Larnaca District Court on Friday.
He was charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting lawful arrest and offences under legislation relating to violence at sports venues.
The court imposed a fine of €1,200, which the young man paid before departing for Israel.
Meanwhile, investigators from the Larnaca CID are examining CCTV footage from the stadium and other evidence in an effort to identify and locate all those involved in the clashes.
Larnaca police spokesman Spyros Chrysostomou stated that supporters from both clubs are being sought in connection with the incidents.
In the meantime, an Israeli media outlet published footage showing the violent assault of a Beitar Jerusalem supporter outside AEK Arena before kick-off.
The video, which was also shared widely on social media, appears to show a number of individuals attacking a supporter of the Israeli club while he lay on the ground, kicking and punching him repeatedly.
Tensions had also flared on the evening of 22 July, one day before the match, in the area of the Larnaca port roundabout, where Beitar Jerusalem supporters had gathered.
Police carried out an operation to disperse the Israeli fans, making limited use of tear gas.
Furthermore, numerous complaints were reportedly made about the behaviour of Israeli supporters during their stay at a hotel in Larnaca, including allegations of drug use.
