It seems that hooliganism has spread into handball too, as unknown assailants torched a car last night owned by international Cypriot referee Yiorgos Panayides, outside his home.
The fire spread to a second vehicle before the fire service managed to put out the flames in the early hours, with the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services investigating the cause.
The Cyprus Handball Federation condemned the arson attack with ‘sadness and deep concern’, describing Panayides as a man of integrity and an example of professionalism.
‘We strongly and categorically condemn any act of violence and intimidation against any individual, particularly when it appears to be connected with their professional sport activity’, the federation said in a statement, adding that that such actions are offensive to the principles of sport.
‘We are in solidarity with the referee and his family’, the Cyprus Handball Federation added, calling on authorities to investigate fully and speedily in solving the case and bringing those responsible to justice.
It further makes clear that in case any link is established between the attack and individuals connected to handball it will take immediate measures in the framework of its authority and regulations, exercising ‘zero tolerance’, when the protection of referees, athletes, coaches and officials is concerned.
