Standard Liege v Anderlecht abandoned because of flares & smoke

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, The away supporters at Stade Maurice Dufrasne were barely visible

Standard Liege's league game against rivals Anderlecht was abandoned after 30 minutes because of flares thrown by visiting supporters.

The match was twice interrupted before referee Erik Lambrechts ended the Belgian championship play-off match with Liege leading 2-0.

"The management of the club strictly disapproves of the behaviour,"

"This is absolutely intolerable for football."

The first interruption came shortly after Liege's Alen Halilovic had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Razvan Marin scored the opener in the 22nd minute but play was suspended once more, for about 10 minutes, again for smoke on the pitch.

Soon after the match restarted, Liege were awarded a penalty when VAR ruled that Kara Mbodji had fouled Moussa Djenepo in the area. The Anderlecht player was sent off for a second yellow card before Paul-Jose Mpoku converted from the spot.

Another set of flares landed on the pitch resulting in referee Lambrechts abandoning the match.

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Flares land on the pitch during the match

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, They scorched the turf as the two teams continued playing

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Erik Lambrechts (second right) led the players off the pitch 15 minutes before half time