Aberdeen FC’s disappointing European exit erupted into violence in Cyprus last night.
The Dons were knocked out of the Europa League following a 2-0 defeat to Apollon Limassol in Larnaca.
However, after the final whistle blew, tempers flared and trouble broke out in the Aberdeen end of the AEK Arena with riot police forced to wade in to restore order.
Last night footage emerged showing Dons fans running towards the home fans and squaring off with stewards, with one person in an Aberdeen shirt appearing to kick at one of the employees.
The riot cops then rushed in wielding batons and used pepper spray to get the situation under control.
However, according to one fan in attendance, there were children caught up in the melee, some of whom ended up being injured by the police.
Mark Hay, 34, was at the match with his 12-year-old son Lennon.
He said: “There was one 12 year-old boy who was sprayed in the face and then got separated from his dad due to all the commotion. He had to run out of the ground by himself.
“It was terrible. It was a real shame it ended like this because it was my son’s first trip abroad to see the Dons.”
Earlier on, Apollon Limassol supporters threw flares on to the pitch with Swiss referee Stephan Klossner at one stage threatening to abandon the match.
The club has confirmed it will assist in any investigation as it emerged both sides could be sanctioned by UEFA. However, it is likely if Limassol are punished for their fans setting of flares they will face a financial penalty and will be allowed to continue in the competition.
Speaking after the final whistle, Dons manager Derek McInnes said there had been trouble throughout the game and suggested stewards had been “heavy handed” with the travelling support and also he had been spat at.
He said: “I’ve just heard what happened to our supporters at the end. We expect the match to be passionate and noisy, but when flares were getting thrown at our goalkeeper and our supporters were getting treated the way they were, it’s quite unfair on everybody.
“I just heard the stewards were very heavy-handed with them, going in with tear gas and being very aggressive towards them.”
In a statement on their website, the club said it had been in talks with Limassol and the stadium operators and called on the authorities to make use of the ground’s security footage during any investigation.