Pafos FC player Nikolas Ioannou apologizes for cup final incident

Pafos FC defender Nikolas Ioannou has issued a public apology regarding his behavior during the recent Cyprus Cup final against Apollon Limassol. The controversy arose when Ioannou picked up a flare thrown by Apollon fans and carried it across the pitch. This specific action triggered a strong negative reaction from Apollon supporters and officials. In a statement posted on social media, the Cypriot player addressed the incident following the match. He stated that he holds absolute respect for Apollon Limassol, its history, and its fanbase. The apology marks his first public comments on the matter since the event occurred. This incident occurred in the immediate aftermath of the tournament final, which had been characterized by tension.