Shocking moment riot police dodge EXPLOSION as Ajax and Marseille fans clash before Europa League match
RIOT police were hit with an explosion as they attempted to disperse clashing Ajax and Marseille fans ahead of their Europa League tie.
Large numbers of fans from both clubs gathered outside the Johan Cruyff Arena in the build-up to kick-off.
One video showed hundreds of Marseille fans, all dressed in black, marching up a street before running at Ajax supporters.
In another fans could be seen throwing punches next to food stalls outside the stadium.
Riot police got involved in an attempt to separate the two groups, which resulted in them being the target of violence.
Police were forced to dodge an explosion that appeared to be a firework, next to a van they had used to create a barrier between fans.
The NL Times report 12 Marseille fans were arrested – six for carrying a deadly weapon, six others were reportedly arrested for loitering.
Marseille fans were in the spotlight last year after treating Tottenham to a hostile reception for their Champions League encounter.
Flares and pyrotechnics were set off outside the Stade Velodrome prior to kick-off, while fireworks exploded near the team hotel during the middle of the night.
A year before Neymar was pelted by missiles as he went to take a corner at the ground, forcing riot police to shield him from the aggressive Marseille contingent.
Marseille fans are set to travel to Brighton in December to take on the Seagulls in the Europa League.
The match ended 3-3 in a thrilling contest that saw Marseille twice come from behind to level, with former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice.