Public servant admits attacking Anorthosis fan

A PUBLIC servant man accused of beating unconscious an Anorthosis fan, right in front of his eight-year-old son, was yesterday remanded in custody for five days by a Larnaca court.

Yiannis Pipis, 27, has confessed to being one of the men who attacked 56-year-old Angelos Minas on April 29 outside Anorthosis’ home ground, the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium.

Supporters of Anorthosis and APOEL came to blows after the highly-charged game between the two sides in April. After the final whistle of the game, which finished 2-2, disgruntled APOEL fans began hurling objects at police and supporters.

That same night, fans also set fire to a nearby field.

Pipis has been charged with assault and violent conduct inside a sports arena, but could have his sentence reduced after paying Minas £10,000 in compensation.

Minas, who had received serious head wounds from the attack, says his son is still suffering psychologically after witnessing his father being beaten.

Pipis, a temporary worker for the Interior Ministry, who has represented his department at overseas meetings, was recognised by police officers on amateur footage which recorded Minas being beaten and kicked to the ground by a group of APOEL fans. He was identified as the man throwing a rock at Minas before he fell to the ground unconscious.

Pipis turned himself in to police in Nicosia when the footage of the wanted culprits was released to the public. He then gave a statement to officers confessing to what he had done.

Pleading mitigation for Pipis, defence lawyer Savvas Angelides said that his client reacted out of character because his side had seemingly lost the chance of claiming the league title.

Angelides added that his client had suffered greatly because of his actions.

Pipis will reappear in court on Monday morning for sentencing.

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