AJAX SUPPORTERS HAVE been caught up in chaotic scenes during a Champions League clash with AEK Athens, with a petrol bomb thrown into the away end.
The Eredivisie giants were in the Greek capital on Tuesday for the latest round of fixtures in Group E.
Before a ball had even been kicked, tempers boiled over off the field as the home support set their sights on the visitors.
A Molotov cocktail, plastic bottles and various other objects were aimed in the direction of those to have made the trip from Amsterdam. No arrests or injuries were reported at the time, with the local police quickly onto the scene.
Those responsible for the missiles were dispersed, but Ajax followers were understandably left angered by the events which had unfolded.
As a result, they ended up clashing with baton-wielding enforcement officers. Police had also faced trouble from a number of Greek supporters in central Athens earlier in the day, and on Monday evening.
Petrol bombs were also used during those disturbances, with traffic blocked before order was restored.
As chaos erupted inside the stadium on Tuesday, Ajax defender Matthijs de Light was among those to try and act as peacemaker.
He approached the away end as fans tangled with police and called for calm from those involved.
Ajax recorded a 2-0 victory thanks to two second-half goals from Dusan Tadic, ensuring the Dutch side progression to the knockout stages for the first time since 2005/06.
The Eredivisie side knew victory would secure their progression from Group E and they sealed the deal thanks to Tadic’s double, the first a spot-kick that saw Marko Livaja receive a second yellow for handball.
Erik ten Hag’s men could yet snatch top spot after temporarily edging a point ahead of Bayern Munich, who are in action against Benfica later on Tuesday and still have to travel to Amsterdam in the final round of fixtures.
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Great servant
Super player. Really underappreciated when he was at his best…. o how we could do with a 30 year old donacha now!!!
Brilliant player in his day. Was a match winner in many a game. Happy retirement
Yes great player and has been great for Cork. Can’t believe he and Kerrigan are still on the panel. Today’s result another embarrassment
@Ger Buckley: He never let the jersey down unlike many 15 years younger who are disgraceful
@Tim Brennan: disgraceful??? I’m not disagreeing that the result was bad but what will abusing the player’s get us?? Might make you feel better alright!!
Donnacha you are an absolute gentleman enjoyed refereeing you and enjoyed watching you as a fellow Duhallow man I want to thank you for all you have done for cork, Duhallow and Ballydesmond. A true great of the game of gaelic football. Best wishes o. Your retirement from the Intercounty game.
Can’t fault him really, the footballers coming through have either no bottle or simply are just not good enough so he’s better off to bow out with his name in tact. There’s surely 15 better footballers in the county than those put out today. Useless would be the understatement of the century
Legends like him deserve to go out on better terms. What a footballer.
Thanks for the memories.