Masked attackers beat three at Nea Salamina event – investigations into AEK supporters
Three young men were injured in an attack by masked assailants at Nea Salamina's auxiliary grounds. The 21-year-old is being treated for a fractured face.
Club assault with batons at Nea Salamina grounds – three injured
More than 30 masked attackers broke into the "Ammochostos-Return" auxiliary grounds of Nea Salamina late on Sunday evening and attacked five people guarding the club's equipment with batons. According to Philenews, three young men aged 21, 23 and 28 were injured in the attack, which occurred shortly after 11:30 pm.
The 23-year-old and the 28-year-old were taken to Larnaca General Hospital and released after receiving first aid. The 21-year-old, who suffered a fractured face, was transported to Lefkosia General Hospital, where he remains hospitalised.
The incident occurred after the end of Nea Salamina's annual supporters' fun day, an event held each year shortly before the team begins its competitive obligations. Only the five volunteers who had undertaken to guard the equipment remained on the premises when the attackers forced their way in with their faces covered by helmets and hoods.
Investigations focus on AEK supporters
Larnaca TAE is investigating the matter in a specific direction: witnesses present at the scene stated that the attackers were wearing shirts bearing AEK insignia. The attack is believed to stem from the long-standing rivalry between factions of supporters of the two teams.
Larnaca Police has been mobilised with the aim of preventing the escalation of similar incidents, particularly in view of the championship beginning in the coming days. According to police sources, police were informed of the attack minutes after it occurred.
CCTV under scrutiny
Investigators are examining material from the closed-circuit surveillance system of Nea Salamina's stadium, as well as from cameras in the surrounding area. The aim is to identify evidence regarding the attackers' means of transport and to identify them, given that their faces were covered during the attack.
Condemnation from club management
The Board of Directors of Nea Salamina Ammochostos condemned the incident through a statement, whilst also making pointed remarks about the police's response. According to the club, authorities had been informed in advance of the presence of disruptive elements in the vicinity of the stadium.
"We demand a full, objective and thorough investigation of the incident, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible before the courts. Violence, fanaticism and the targeting of people who voluntarily contribute to sport have no place either in football or in our society," the statement said.
Source: Philenews