Nice v Cologne delayed because of fan violence

Image source, Getty Images

Kick-off was delayed in the Europa Conference League game between Nice and Cologne because of violent clashes between rival supporters.

Fans fought in the stands of Nice's Allianz Riviera, with flares thrown.

Police intervened to end the trouble but the players had not started warming up shortly before the scheduled start time of 17:45 BST.

The game eventually got under way at 18:40 BST after there were no further incidents.

"[We] condemn every form of violence in the strongest possible terms," "We stand for a sporting, fair and respectful behaviour with one another.

"We apologise to all the peaceful fans who had made it a football festival up until this point."

Cologne captain Jonas Hector had addressed the crowd through the PA system and called for calm.

"We really want to play the game with you. We also want that game to take place. But we have to say that we do not like to see this," he said.

"We worked hard last year and in the play-off. And we would very much like to do this with you and we ask you to keep calm and support us as much as possible."