Ferencvaros’ Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday was marred by unsavoury scenes between rival supporters.
On the pitch, the match did not disappoint with the Hungarian giants running out 4-3 winners to book their place in next month’s play-off round.
However, it was a different story in the stands as carnage broke out between the two sets of fans on what was Robbie Keane’s home debut as Ferencvaros boss.
In a stunning turn of events, Ferencvaros fans implemented a bizarre way of getting within striking distance of their Dutch counterparts.
Rather than break through the barriers separating fans, Ferencvaros hooligans instead disguised themselves as stewards by dressing in high-visibility jackets.
What followed was a dress rehearsal of this weekend’s WWE Royal Rumble as both sets of fans weighed into each other as missiles rained down from the stands.
It’s not the first time supporters of either club have been involved in violent scenes.
Ferencvaros fans have long been considered the most violent in Hungary with UEFA having sanctioned the club on multiple occasions in the past.
Hooligans connected to the club stabbed four Millwall fans when the two clubs met in the UEFA Cup in the 2004/05 season.
Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar were fined £68,768 after thugs entered the stand housing the families of West Ham players at the AFAS Stadion, during the Irons’ UEFA Conference League semi-final in 2023.
Two West Ham supporters were seen fending off an entire group of Ultras on their own as they attempted to keep others safe.
AZ were ordered to play one European game behind closed doors as a result of their fans’ actions.
the casual ultraThe carnage ensued between the two sets of fans[/caption]
UEFA will hope both teams avoid each other in the latter rounds after the clubs booked their places in the play-off round.
Keane, who took charge of Ferencvaros earlier this month, saw his side advance after winning four and losing four of their eight league stage matches.
The Irishman watched on as his side raced into a three-goal half-time lead, with Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane on target twice and Adama Traore firing in a stunning effort
The Dutch side replied through Sven Mijnans before a Barnabas Varga penalty extended the Hungarians’ three-goal advantage.
Another Irishman in Troy Parrott struck for AZ in response to Adam Vargas’ fourth for Ferencvaros before a late rally saw Mijnans add another in the dying seconds.