Fire breaks out at packed Amsterdam Arena ahead of Ajax’s clash with Feyenoord with thick black smoke seen in stand

A fire broke out at the Amsterdam Arena on Sunday afternoon prior to Ajax’s game against Feyernoord.

The hugely anticipated Dutch clash displayed disturbing scenes before kick-off when flares were set off at one end of the ground.

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The blaze began behind one of the goals[/caption]

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Black smoke ascended around the stadium[/caption]

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It appears some flares caught a banner which fed the blaze[/caption]

When they went out a blaze then ensued – with The Mirror reporting that it appears the flares caught a banner which fed the flames.

Thick black smoke engulfed a large portion of the fans behind the goal, before the fire was eventually put out.

It is unclear whether or not anybody was injured.

The clash between Ajax and Feyenoord – known as De Klassieker – did get underway.

And it was a thrilling match which ended with reigning Eredivise champions Ajax taking all three points in a pulsating 3-2 win.

Erik ten Hag’s side were able to bounce back from their Champions League exit in midweek as they moved 11 points clear of Feyenoord and retained a two point lead over PSV at the top of the table.

But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the eighth minute through Luis Sinisterra.

The in-form Sebastien Haller levelled for Ajax midway through the first half.

Feyenoord then took the lead for a second time before the half hour mark when Guus Til restored their advantage.

But former Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic equalised with 12 minutes remaining.

And eight minutes later Antony decided the game as Ajax receive a major boost in their hopes of defending the Eredivisie title.