Larnaca, Cyprus. Police on Tuesday released photographs of individuals wanted in connection with violence before the July 23 Uefa Conference League match between AEK Larnaca and Beitar Jerusalem at the AEK Arena.
The authorities appealed to anyone able to identify or locate the men to contact Larnaca CID on 24-804-060, the nearest police station or the Citizen’s Line on 1460.
Clashes outside stadium
Disturbances broke out before kick-off outside the stadium, where supporters of AEK Larnaca and Beitar Jerusalem became involved in clashes, police said.
Officers intervened to prevent the violence from escalating, deploying the anti-riot water cannon vehicle ‘Aiantas’ (Ajax) and increasing the police presence around the stadium.
The situation was brought under control and the match proceeded as scheduled.
Earlier tensions
According to police, a group of Beitar Jerusalem supporters moved towards a nearby parking area, where they came into contact with AEK supporters and fighting broke out.
The clashes followed earlier tensions involving Beitar Jerusalem supporters near the Larnaca port roundabout, where police intervened and deployed smoke bombs to disperse the crowd.
A video published by an Israeli news website reportedly showed a group of football fans kicking and carrying a Beitar Jerusalem supporter while he was on the ground.
“There was an incident between fans of the two teams before the beginning of the match outside the stadium,” police said.
Fine imposed
An Israeli football fan was fined €1,200 on July 24 after pleading guilty to offences arising from the clashes.
