Play-off clash SUSPENDED with players marched off pitch and riot police forced to intervene in chaotic scenes
A PLAYOFF match in Italy has been called off after angry fans launched flares, firecrackers and seats onto the pitch.
Players were ordered from the field 65 minutes into Sampdoria's relegation showdown with Salernitana.
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Sampdoria led 2-0 at the Stadio Arechi on Sunday night and 4-0 on aggregate in the tie.
Angry Salernitana fans turned on their team midway through the second half as relegation loomed.
Riot police had to intervene amid chaotic scenes, with the players taking into the dressing rooms as flares were launched from the terraces.
Referee Daniele Doveri attempted to get the game restarted ten minutes later.
But more flares rained down onto the pitch.
The match was later abandoned, with Sampdoria avoiding relegation to Serie C for the first time in their history.
Following last week's first leg, EIGHT Salernitana players were rushed to hospital due to severe food poisoning.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim many started to feel sick after eating a meal on board that had been prepared at the team's hotel.
In total, 21 members of staff, including eight players, were said to be suffering with "gastrointestinal problems" and were in "excruciating pain".
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