in-cyprus 30 March 2023 - by Annie Charalambous
The Council of Ministers has approved a more forceful policing to confront hooligans on the rampage in a bid to curb violence inside and outside sports stadiums in Cyprus.
Police will also have the power to cancel a match if the danger is deemed to be high, Philenews reported on Thursday.
At the same time, sports fans will be subjected to random alcohol and drug tests on entry to sports venues.
And a permanent anti-riot police team will be established to cover high-risk matches, Justice Minister Anna Prokopiou-Koukkides announced after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
The measures, excluding those that need legislation amendments, will be in force immediately, she also said.
The move came after Sunday’s riots outside Tassos Papadopoulos stadium in Nicosia before and after a basketball match.
Newly-elected President Nikos Christodoulides has sent the message that fans should behave – otherwise all of them will be banned.
The installation of CCTV cameras in all stadiums, along with a proper check on fan cards are also part of the new measures.
