Referees Under Attack

by Stel Stylianou
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On Monday, September 18th, Cypriot football history took another sombre turn as the Referee's Union made a grave announcement. All match officials decided to go on an indefinite strike, sending shockwaves through the nation's football community. This drastic move came in the wake of a disturbing incident: the car belonging to Menelaus Antoniou's mother, a referee, was targeted and set ablaze. This latest attack forced the postponement of the Nea Salamina vs Ethnikos Achna match and led to referees abstaining from their duties until further notice.

Referee’s Union Takes A Stand

In a strongly worded letter to the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), the Referee's Union cited the relentless attacks they and their families have endured as the primary reason for their decision to strike. Disturbingly, the Cypriot police had yet to make any arrests or file criminal charges in connection with these attacks.

The Referee's Union issued a statement, expressing their concerns:

The CFA shares our deep concern over the repeated malicious actions and the alarming acts of terror against our referees. Our support for the referees and their families is unwavering, and we hope that the ongoing police investigations will lead to justice. The CFA is also taking immediate steps to arrange a meeting with referees and relevant authorities to address safety concerns and expedite their return to the field and their duties.

A Disturbing Pattern

Regrettably, the recent attack on Menelaus Antoniou's family vehicle is not an isolated incident. Cyprus has a long history of violence against referees that dates back to 2009. Here's a grim recount of these past attacks:

2009: The first incident occurred when an explosive device was planted outside the house of referee Leontios Trattos. Simultaneously, the Association of Referees' building was targeted with an explosion, causing extensive damage. Unknown perpetrators also bombed an insurance company linked to the late CFA president, Costas Koutsokoumni, in Limassol.

2010: Two unidentified individuals hurled a Molotov cocktail at the car of Cypriot international assistant referee Aristidis Christos while he dined at a restaurant in Limassol, accompanied by then-president of the Referees Association, George Papoutsos.

2011: The Referees Association building was subjected to a Molotov cocktail attack, both inside and outside, with abusive slogans scrawled on its walls.

2012: Assistant referee Andreas Andreou was targeted when unknown persons placed a factory firecracker under his car, causing material damage.

2014: Referee Leontios Trattos's company car was destroyed in an explosion, damaging a neighbouring car.

2014: The Association of Referees' building was attacked once again, with the perpetrators caught on closed-circuit surveillance.

2015: Improvised explosive devices were placed outside the homes of referee Thomas Mouskos and referee Vassilis Dimitriou, resulting in extensive damage to property.

2016: Referee Giorgos Nikolaos was the target of a bomb attack on his car parked outside his home in Zygi, causing extensive damage.

2017: Deputy president of the CFA, Giorgos Koumas, had his vehicle set on fire by arsonists, resulting in its complete destruction.

2018: Businessman Nikos Nikolaos, involved in a group of investors aiming to take over the administration of Omonoia, saw his car damaged by fire.

2018: Former referee and football observer Kostas Kapitanis had a bomb explode at his Larnaca home, damaging property.

2020: Referee Andreas Constantinou's car in Larnaca was targeted with an explosive device, causing a match postponement.

2023: The Cyprus Referees Association in Latsia suffered yet another arson attack, damaging its main entrance.

2023: A referee's vehicle parked at home was hit by a bomb explosion, suffering significant front-end damage.

2023: The car of referee Menelaus Antoniou's mother was intentionally set on fire in an open parking lot, leading to the postponement of the Nea Salamina vs Ethnikos Achna match and referees abstaining from their duties.

A Bleak Reality

These horrific incidents underscore a disheartening reality in Cypriot football. Corruption and ongoing crowd violence, coupled with a lack of swift action from authorities, have created an environment where referees have become the primary targets of violence. In addition, every decision from referees and their VARs is scrutinised by all corners of footballing society in Cyprus, with any slight against a club being decried as an attack on the club or showing the bias or deviousness of the officials. This is further exacerbated by clubs and their coaches releasing polemic statements whenever a result goes against them because of a perceived mistake by the referee. Unless decisive steps are taken, this unsettling pattern is likely to continue, casting a dark shadow over the beautiful game in Cyprus.