Anorthosis and Omonia’s dream of Europa League football this season ended in disaster on Thursday night while APOEL cruised into the playoffs.
Anorthosis, who were playing their 100th game in Europe, will be fearing the worst after their 3-0 home defeat against Dila Gori was abandoned late on after fans stormed the pitch.
Rioting also followed both inside and outside the ground forcing Hungarian match official Mihaly Fabian to stop the match. Supporters of the refugee club were incensed when their side – winners of the first leg in Georgia 1-0 – fell 3-0 behind after a brace from Mate Vatsadze and another from Lasha Salukvadze while Anorthosis’ Vincent Laban sent off.
UEFA are expected to throw the book at Anorthosis and the club are looking at a hefty fine as well as a possible suspension from Europe. The defeat will also mean financial disaster for Anorthosis while coach Roni Levy could be set for an early exit.
Omonia’s night was not as bad but elimination from Europe spells worrying times ahead for the club who are also said to be struggling financially.
Neophytos Larkou’s side couldn’t take advantage of their 0-0 draw in the first leg away to Red Star Belgrade and when normal and extra time finished 0-0 again, the match went into a penalty shoot-out. It was the Serbs who proved the coolest from the spot winning 6-5 to advance to the playoffs.
APOEL had a happier night in Norway as they raked up a second win over Aalesunds. Leading 2-1 from the first leg, Ivan Jovanovic’s side put the tie beyond doubt when Aldo Adorno scored early on.

Cyprus Weekly