Historic qualification marred by violence

10:46 FOOTBALL fans smashed cars, attacked a rival team’s clubhouse and torched rubbish bins in Nicosia on Wednesday evening as they celebrated APOEL’s historical qualification in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Police said they arrested four youths aged between 17 and 25 in connection with the trouble.

The four were part of some 3,000 APOEL fans that filled the capital’s streets at around 9 pm, after their team’s away game against Zenit in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The final score was 0-0.

During the celebrations, unknown individuals attacked the clubhouse of archrivals Omonia — smashing windows — and cars parked nearby

Police said two 25-year-olds were arrested after being spotted hurling flares while driving around the city.

A 17-year-old and an 18-year-old were arrested in connection with rioting, illegal possession of an assault instrument, common assault and disturbing the peace.

Hooligans also damaged two police cars and a fire engine, police said.

The four men were charged and released.

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