In one disturbing moment a suspected petrol bomb was launched into the stand behind the goal causing causing a fiery explosion in the Athens Olympic Stadium. A loud bang echoed from the explosive device as supporters dived towards safety. A huge fireball then broke out just inches from the fans caged in the away end.
Riot dressed in full armour are pictured hitting supporters with their batons as horrified fans watched on.
Blood can be seen dropping from the heads of several men from the attack inside the stadium.
As the mayhem continued prior to kick-off players tried to intervene to try and stop the disturbances.
Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt was seen pleading with fans in the away-end.
Match officials had already put hundred of seats between the fans of the two clubs when allocating tickets – which is not uncommon in European away games.
Reports have suggested that Panathinaikos fans were amongst the travelling supporters – who are AEK’s arch rivals.
One supporter at the ground tweeted: “Riots in Athens. AEK fans attack Ajax box with fireworks because there are fans of Panathinaikos between the Amsterdammers.”
No arrests were immediately reported.
Prior to the match there were several reports of violence on Monday night as fans arrived into the capital for the game.
AEK currently sit bottom of Group E having lost their opening four games, and can no longer advance to the knockout stages.
Meanwhile their opponents Ajax are on the brink of sealing their place in the last-16 having picked up two wins and two draws.