Cyprus vows to curb football violence

NICOSIA, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Cypriot government pledged on Tuesday to clamp down football hooliganism after an attack on a Nicosia club fans two days ago.

Following a meeting under President Demetris Christofias, government spokesman Stephanos Stephanou told reporters that the government condemned with determination and abhorrence the latest incident.

Authorities will tackle the problem in collaboration with society and all the relevant bodies, he added.

The spokesman announced that the justice minister would chair a meeting on Wednesday to introduce concrete measures for a smooth and safe football match between two rival teams Apoel and Omonia.

Early on Sunday, some hooligans attacked three Apoel fans at the club's Nicosia headquarters, leaving one of them with serious eye injury. The gang also attempted to set the door of the club on fire.

Cyprus Football Association on Monday decided to postpone a semifinal match between the two teams, initially scheduled for Wednesday, until next week.