THE LARNACA district court yesterday sentenced a 20-year-old to four months in jail for taking part in a pitch invasion that caused a football game to be abandoned.
Christos Gavriel jumped into the pitch several minutes before the final whistle of the August 9 Europa league qualifier between his team Anorthosis and Georgian guests Dila Gori, taking issue with his goalie letting in three goals.
Gavriel approached the goalkeeper and asked him “why?” prompting police to arrest him.
Dozens of Anorthosis fans reacted to his arrest and poured on to the pitch, forcing the referee to interrupt the game.
Others threw stones at people and cars outside the stadium.
Gavriel pleaded guilty to being under the influence of alcohol and other addictive substances, during the game, and illegally entering a sports venue.
During sentencing yesterday, the court said it took into consideration his clean criminal record and admission of guilt, the Cyprus News Agency said.
Six others have been charged with similar offences and an arrest warrant is still pending for a seventh suspect not yet found, police spokesman Christos Andreou said.
He added that the court’s decision was a positive step towards tackling hooliganism.
European football governing body UEFA issued a €50,000 fine while Anorthosis must also play their next three European home games behind closed doors.
The punishment is the result of “the inconsiderate actions of a limited number of individuals who … tarnished the reputation of our team and of our country in the European football circles,” the football club said last week.
It also announced it was banning for life all those found guilty of offences related to the game and was considering taking legal measures against them for the damage they caused: “the fines and the lost profit that derive [from UEFA’s] decision”.
Meanwhile, the police yesterday said officers will be at GSP stadium in Nicosia for tomorrow’s UEFA Champions league play-off game between Limassol’s AEL and Belgium’s Anderlecht.
Anderlecht fans have been allocated part of the south stands and can park in the stadium’s south car park area.
AEL fans have the remaining stands and can park in the north and west car park areas.
The police will fine anyone parking on the highway, the nearby roundabout, on pavements and roads.
Firecrackers, dangerous items, banners or clothes bearing political or provocative slogans are strictly forbidden.
The police said it will only allow admission from the gate designated on the ticket.
Fans are asked to be at GSP stadium at least an hour and a half before the game. Gates open at 7.45pm.