The Justice Ministry is fast-tracking new legislation to combat sports violence following recent clashes at a football match in Larnaca between AEK and AEL teams.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis will prioritise the submission of an anti-violence bill to parliament ahead of separate legislation governing supporters’ clubs, ministry officials said today.
The new law, which could be approved by the Council of Ministers as early as next Wednesday, will introduce targeted drug and alcohol testing for suspicious individuals attempting to enter stadiums.
“Anyone testing positive will be denied stadium entry and driving privileges”, a ministry spokesperson said.
The measure comes after authorities identified widespread alcohol consumption at mobile canteens outside venues and drug use in stadium stands.
The Police Union ISOTITA has recommended suspending policing services for matches with away supporters until both pending bills are enacted, citing safety concerns. Union leader Nikos Loizides warned of potential casualties due to current policing limitations.
Police confirmed they had recommended postponing the recent Larnaca match after an initial flare was thrown, but the referee decided to proceed. Further extensive disturbances occurred outside AEK’s stadium after the match.
The second bill, focusing on supporters’ clubs’ operations, will undergo public consultation before parliamentary submission.
