Europa League kick-off delayed as riot police throw out ENTIRE away end after major security breach

Utrecht were scheduled to host Genk, from neighbouring Belgium, but police moved in after away fans were accused of bypassing security checks.

Riot police threw the entire Genk section out of the stadiumCredit: Reuters

Dozens of officers could be seen moving into the away sectionCredit: Getty While the cities are in different countries, they are just 97 miles away from each other, making this game one of the most eagerly-anticipated away trips for fans of the Belgian side.

Following the incident, officials announced that the match would kick off at 10pm local time (9pm UK time) – an hour later than scheduled.

Dutch outlet AD report that the trouble started when a group of Genk supporters bypassed strict security checks, refusing to show their IDs or be searched.

And Belgian reports claimed some Genk fans were armed with sticks and batons.

As a result, the police charged in and threw out the 300 fans already in the away end and refused to let any further Genk supporters enter.

Genk fans who were being bussed to the stadium for the clash claimed as of 9.30pm local time – half an hour after the original kick-off time – that the buses were now circling around Utrecht awaiting further instructions.

Many claimed to have been “held hostage” on the buses for over two and a half hours.

One commented: “The toilet on the bus is full, and the atmosphere is very grim.”

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Utrecht are already out of the Europa League and named a weakened side for the clash.

But Genk will secure a place in the knockout stages with a victory.

A masked fan could be seen waving a pole as police approached the away sectionCredit: Reuters Comments