Apollon awarded win in abandoned league game

An abandoned first division football game was awarded 3-0 to Limassol side Apollon after the football association’s judge ruled that its opponent’s supporters were to blame for the development.

The October 18 game between Apollon and Anorthosis of Famagusta at the Tsirion stadium was abandoned after fans of the away team invaded the pitch and attacked the home side’s officials and substitutes.

It happened five minutes before the 6pm kick-off.

Judge Aristotelis Vryonides awarded Apollon the win and also ruled that Anorthosis would have to play one home game behind closed doors and pay a €20,000 fine.

The south stand – occupied by organized fans — at Anorthosis’ home ground, the Antonis Papadopoulos in Larnaca, will remain shut for two games.

Vryonides also handed down stiff penalties for three Apollon players who took part in an exchange of objects with Anorthosis supporters.

Fotis Papoulis, Giorgos Merkis, and Conceicao Rozario Do Rogerio, were handed a six match ban and a €1,000 fine each.

Apollon were also fined €14,000 while the lower tier of the west stand that is occupied by the side’s organised fans will remain shut in the next home game.