A Conference League tie was marred by dramatic scenes of violence in the stands on Thursday night, forcing the referee to temporarily suspend the match.
The shocking episode took place in the Slovenian capitol where Olimpija Ljubljana hosted Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka.
Rival supporters threw flares at each other – with one making its way onto the pitch – picked up metal gate partitions to use as projectiles and clambered over the stands to fight.
Lithuanian ref Manfredas Lukjancukas halted the play-off at the Stadion Stozice as smoke billowed out from behind a goal.
The stadium announcer repeatedly pleaded for order, which was eventually restored with the help of security staff.
The match finally finished – with 19 minutes of added time – as Borac made it through to the last 16 after a goalless draw on the night meant they triumphed 1-0 on aggregate.
A smoke flare lands on the pitch during the violence-hit Conference League tie on Thursday
Supporters clamber over the stands to fight with some carrying metal gates to use as weapons
One supporter hurls a flare in the stands as the violence gets out of control in Ljubljana
Slovenian midfielder Sandi Ogrinec had hit the only goal of the tie for Borac against his home-country club in the first leg.
And in Thursday’s return, Olimpija’s Alex Blanco saw Djordje Despotovic save his seventh-minute penalty – a costly miss as it turned out.
UEFA are certain to launch a probe into both clubs after the clashes.
The European ruling body’s disciplinary panel will have plenty in their in-tray with violence also hitting the Europa League clash between Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and Anderlecht with, again, fans clashing in the stands.
