Cyprus teams risk losing aid as fans' violence spirals

NICOSIA, May 8 (Reuters) Cyprus authorities warned soccer clubs today they could lose an annual state grant if they failed to cooperate with police in rooting out troublemakers among their fans.

The warning, issued by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, came after a night of violence in the southern coastal town of Limassol between supporters of Apollon FC and AEL, bitter cross-town rivals.

Apollon clinched the league title on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Anorthosis Famagusta, but street parties were cut short by clashes with AEL supporters. The clashes resumed with more intensity on Sunday night.

Police said at least a dozen people were hurt in violence in central Limassol by flying debris, Molotov cocktails and a hail of stones. Tear-gas was used to disperse crowds.

''Unfortunately teams do not cooperate with police in identifying a handful of troublemakers who are destroying all attempts to promote sports and its ideals,'' said Papadopoulos. ''I am warning them now. Teams which do not cooperate with police appeals to identify those caught on camera engaging in violent acts should not expect any economic aid from the state,'' he said.

Cyprus soccer has been plagued for years with violence at grounds and refereeing controversy.

In 2005 a policeman died trying to quell riots at one highly charged fixture. That same year clubs boycotted the domestic league for more than a week in a dispute over distribution of government aid.

Last week a man was beaten unconscious in front of his eight-year-old son after a match between Anorthosis Famagusta and APOEL Nicosia.

Soccer authorities on the east Mediterranean island last week said they would cooperate with British authorities on ways to curb violence.

REUTERS AY PM1851