The Dutch league match between Groningen and Ajax was abandoned early on Sunday after smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch on two occasions.

The match was first halted after seven minutes when smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch from a stand with Groningen fans.

Play resumed after around 15 minutes, but this only lasted two more minutes until more smoke bombs were thrown, which brought the game to an early end.

During the first interruption, a group of fans also ran onto the field with a banner calling for the resignation of Groningen club leaders.

Referee Jeroen Manschot and Groningen officials were quoted as saying there had been signals before the game that there could be trouble.

The game came a week after Groningen were confirmed to be relegated to the second division.

The club is now also facing sanctions over Sunday’s incidents.

Later on Sunday, Feyenoord could clinch the first Eredivisie title since 2017 with a victory against mid-table Deventer.

(dpa/NAN)