The 38-year-old man arrested for allegedly punching an assistant referee during a football match has been identified as Costas Nicolaou, a Limassol candidate for the Active Citizens – United Cyprus Hunters Movement.
The Larnaca District Court has issued a three-day remand order for Nicolaou. According to police sources cited by philenews, Nicolaou was previously involved in high-profile incidents, including a livestock farmers’ protest at Rizoelia and a confrontation with Justice Minister Costas Fytiris.
Legal developments and police investigation
While Nicolaou reportedly initially implicated himself in the incident, police sources indicate that he changed his stance following consultations with his lawyer and is no longer cooperating with investigators.
The assault was reportedly captured on mobile phones by spectators at the stadium. This video footage has been handed over to the Kofinou Police Station as part of the evidence gathering process.
Party reaction
In communication with philenews, the president of the Active Citizens – United Cyprus Hunters Movement stated that the party cannot condemn an individual who is currently a suspect and has not been proven guilty. However, the party leader clarified that if Nicolaou is indeed found to be involved, he will face the appropriate consequences for such actions.
Summary of the incident
The incident took place near the end of a STOK integration league match between Rotsidis Mammari and APOP Parekklisia.
According to the reports:
- An unidentified person threw a plastic bottle that struck the assistant referee.
- Simultaneously, the candidate entered the field of play and physically attacked the official, punching him.
- The match was abandoned immediately.
The assistant referee was treated at Larnaca General Hospital for medical examinations and was later discharged.