Omonoia is one of the most popular clubs in the country. A poll places the club as the second most popular team on the island with 27.6% of asked Cypriot football fans stating they supported Omonoia, following the 29.7% which stated that support the local rivals APOEL FC .[33] The fans are known for their left-leaning, socialist character, with over 60% stating in a survey that they associate themselves with the communist Progressive Party of Working People[34] Omonia is also traditionally regarded as the club of Cyprus's working-class.[35] Many of Omonia's supporters can be seen waving banners bearing Che Guevara's image.[35] Gate 9, the team's ultras group, was established in 1992.[36] The group occupies the North stand at the GSP stadium during home games.[35] Omonia's fans are well known for their passion. The record for most tickets sold in a single season for Omonia stands at 162,061 tickets sold during the 2009–2010 season. The Omonoia fans which are called Gate 9 have friendship with other teams supporters such as Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Standard Liege fans.[37]
Financial Crisis and 2013 Pan-Cypriot Fundraiser[edit]
By the end of February 2013 Omonia was struggling to meet the UEFA criteria due to the economic crisis that had engulfed the club. The president then decided to start a fundraiser and called for the supporters of the club to donate as much as they could. Hundreds of events were organised island wide with the motto; "ΕΙΜΑΙ ΟΜΟΝΟΙΑ ΔΗΛΩΝΩ ΠΑΡΩΝ" meaning "I'M WITH OMONOIA, I DECLARE MYSELF PRESENT".[38] Current and former players contributed by signing autographs and selling club merchandise. Although the situation at the beginning was described as grim, money poured in from all over the island and from abroad including England and the United States. In about a month and a half €3.5 million was collected from the club's supporters.[39]
Must say that todays news re the situation around Derbyshire sounds somewhat at odds.
We wait with baited breath to see if it is a wise decision (if true) not to offer him a new contract. Not knowing the financial situ and who, if anyone, the new Gaffer has in mind its hard to say much more, but I want to say on the surface it looks odd and I think Derbs is good enough based on what I have seen in this league...and its been a pleasure to see him play actually.
