Limassol is under increased security surveillance as the derby between AEL and Apollon gets underway at the Alpha Mega Stadium.
Police have classified the fixture as “particularly difficult” and “high-risk” following serious clashes that broke out shortly after midnight on Thursday outside an Apollon club in central Limassol.
More than 300 police officers have been deployed to key areas, with an extensive operational plan fully active to prevent new incidents and ensure the smooth running of the match.
Authorities carried out strict checks at the stadium entrances from early afternoon.
Police have made four arrests so far. One arrest was made for throwing a flare at officers during the march of Apollon fans towards the stadium before the match. A second person was arrested for possession of a small amount of drugs during entry checks. The other two arrests were made for public insult and resisting arrest. Following the earlier clashes outside the Apollon clubhouse, police requested that the match be held behind closed doors, but the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) rejected the request.