Firefighters forced to enter pitch during Europa League clash with match halted as flares rain down from ultras

UNION SAINT-GILLOISE’S clash with Fenerbahce was halted after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch.

The Europa Conference League last-16 showdown took place tonight at the Stade Joseph Marien in Belgium.

RexFirefighters were called into action in the Europa Conference League[/caption]

RexThe clash between Union Saint-Gilloise and Fenerbahce was halted just seconds after the start[/caption]

RexThe away end continued to throw flares on to the pitch while firefighters removed them[/caption]

RexSmoke filled the air before the fireworks were eventually cleared[/caption]

These images damage the image of the conference. Teams like this should be banned. @UEFA

— gülse (@askologmusun) March 7, 2024

However, just as the action had got underway, firefighters were forced to step in.

As these photos and clip show, a number of flares and fireworks were thrown by Ultras in the away end.

Hordes of smoke filled the 9,400-capacity ground as the referee and players remained on the pitch waiting to get the first-leg up and running.

But they had to wait until members of the fire service came out to remove the blazing fireworks.

Firemen were pictured attempting to put out the orange flames, while another had hold of two smoking flares as he raced from the field.

White and yellow smoke, the colours of the Turkish visitors from Fenerbahce, continued to fill the air.

And despite the firefighters racing on to remove the flares, more continued to be hurled from the upper tier down to the turf.

Fortunately, after a brief delay, play was eventually resumed.

Former Chelsea striker Michy Buatshuayi gave Fenerbahce the lead after 20 minutes of the match.

Then, with just six minutes of normal time remaining, the visitors doubled their advantage through Dutch left-back Jayden Oosterwolde.

And then ex-Southampton attacker Dusan Tadic made it three in the fourth minute of additional time to virtually book their spot in the next round.

The two sides meet again next week in second-leg back in Turkey at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

RexFormer Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi gave Fenerbahce the lead[/caption]