Fury and Fear in Lakatamia: Omonoia Fan Club Attacked in Violent Assault by Masked APOEL Supporters

The football community in Cyprus has been left stunned after a violent and coordinated attack on an Omonoia Nicosia fan club in Lakatamia late Sunday evening. Both the club and its corporate entity have issued strong condemnation statements, describing the incident as a fascist and murderous assault — far beyond a mere football-related clash.

According to initial reports, a group of approximately 40 to 70 hooded individuals — wearing APOEL insignia and armed with clubs — stormed the premises of A.E. Lakatamia, which also serves as a meeting place for Omonoia supporters. The attack occurred at around 22:30, targeting the venue when only six people were present, including elderly individuals and women.

Three people sustained injuries, with one of them — a 67-year-old woman who manages the premises — suffering serious head trauma. All victims were transported to Nicosia General Hospital for treatment. The perpetrators also caused significant material damage, destroying parts of the building and vandalising property.

Police Statement Confirms Attack and Ongoing Investigation

Police spokesperson Kyriaki Lambrianidou provided an official account during a radio appearance on Monday morning:

“Around 22:30, information was received about an attack by unknown individuals against patrons at the Omonoia Fan Club in Lakatamia. Initial investigations suggest that a group of 40–50 people, with their faces covered and carrying weapons, entered the premises and caused extensive damage. Three individuals were injured and taken to Nicosia General Hospital. Arrest warrants will be issued later today. A 67-year-old woman who manages the venue was among those injured. Only six people were inside the premises at the time. All of this is currently under investigation.”

This confirmation from the police has only heightened public outcry, with supporters and political figures demanding swift action to hold those responsible to account.

Omonoia’s Response: A Call for Justice and Accountability

Omonoia Nicosia’s Board of Directors released a scathing statement, describing the events as a fascist, cowardly and murderous act, and rejecting the notion that it was a spontaneous fan brawl.

“This was not a clash between supporters. It was a targeted, unprovoked attack by 70 masked assailants wielding clubs against innocent individuals — including the elderly — some of whom sustained serious head injuries,” read the club’s announcement.

They further called on the State and the Police to stop treating such acts with leniency and to take decisive action before the country faces even graver consequences:

“We are on the brink of a tragedy. The same people who once tore Cyprus apart are now being emulated. These actions are no longer about football — they are about ideology, violence, and terror.”

The club urged the public to attend a solidarity gathering outside the A.E. Lakatamia clubhouse at 18:00 on Monday evening.

Omonoia FC Corporate Entity Echoes the Condemnation

Omonoia’s corporate arm also weighed in, stating unequivocally that:

“This was not a fan dispute but a premeditated attack by approximately 50 masked APOEL supporters. Their actions nearly cost lives and have once again proven that impunity fuels violence.”

They demanded immediate arrests, emphasising that the police have the tools and technology to identify the culprits and now need the political will to act.

“This is not the society we deserve. If justice is not served, the consequences will be far worse next time — and those in power will bear full responsibility.”

A Warning Signal for Cyprus Football and Society

This latest incident highlights a growing culture of extremism among segments of Cyprus’s football fan base, raising questions about club accountability, law enforcement efficiency, and the broader social conditions that enable such violence.

With the wounds of Cyprus’s political past still fresh for many, the use of terms like “fascist” and “ideologically driven attack” in official club statements is not merely rhetoric — it is a plea for Cyprus to confront a dangerous undercurrent within its society.

The nation waits to see if justice will be done.