The Limassol Police Department is concerned and faces challenges over two major events scheduled for the same time on Sunday afternoon.
On one hand, the football match between Apollon and AEL will take place at the AlphaMega Stadium, while simultaneously, a protest march organised by the Omonia 29th May organised fans, Gate 9, is expected to culminate outside the Limassol Police Directorate.
This situation has raised tensions, with some sources suggesting that deliberate provocations may lead to incidents.
The Limassol Police Department has developed an action plan to manage both events and prevent any escalation of disorder.
The fact that Gate 9 is holding their protest in Limassol, while their team plays an away game in Peristerona against ENP, is seen as provocative by both the police and local football supporters.
The choice of timing and location for the march appears strategic, coinciding with the match in Kolossi, which will already have a large police presence.
Gate 9’s march, titled “The Register for Clubs,” is a protest against the fan card system, but the decision was made to hold the protest in Limassol.
It’s expected that fans from across Cyprus will join the march, as Gate 9 has issued a nationwide call to supporters.
According to sources, strict security measures are in place, and police are evaluating incoming intelligence. The entire Limassol police force will be mobilised from the early afternoon, with 300 officers on duty in the city, including anti-riot squads from other districts and the Mobile Immediate Action Unit (MMAD).
Both events will be monitored via cameras and drones, and the anti-riot water cannon “Aiantas” will be stationed at the Kolossi stadium, as sources state.
Crisis management centres will be reportedly set up at both the Limassol Police Directorate and the stadium.
The police have been in contact with representatives from both football clubs and Gate 9 in recent days to mitigate the potential for clashes.
A police source stated that if violence does occur, it is expected that the police will once again push for the reinstatement of the ban on fan travel, a measure implemented during last year’s football season.
