Cyprus
16
There are no friendly games in Cyprus
The 20 years old man severely injured in Larnaca after trouble broke out between Anorthosis and Apollon fans during a friendly match, is still in the intensive care unit of Nicosia general hospital although doctors have downgraded his status from critical to severe.
Nine Apollon fans were arrested in connection with the trouble and Larnaca district court.Chief investigator had told the court on Sunday that the 20-year-old had suffered second degree burns which were caused by a Molotov cocktail. Eight police officers suffered light injuries during the troubles.He said that rocks, bats, flares and homemade Molotov cocktails were used during the battles between the two sets of fans, and police.
Fifteen minutes into the friendly a group of Apollon fans approached the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca carrying various weapons and attempted to provoke Anorthosis fans who were already watching the match.
It is claimed that the 20-year-old man was burnt by a firecracker he was holding at the time but Angelides said that initial examinations indicate he was hurt by a Molotov cocktail. He was taken to Nicosia general where he was placed on a respirator in the intensive care unit.
Police presence at the match was satisfactory according to Angelides, considering it was a friendly match. There were a total of 20 officers present at the match but after the trouble kicked off that number doubled to around 40 he said.