3 Ajax fans stabbed ahead of AC Milan match

Published Dec. 11, 2013 8:11 p.m. ET

foxsports

Three Ajax fans were taken to hospital after being stabbed in the buildup to the Dutch club's Champions League match at AC Milan on Wednesday, Italian media reported.

ANSA news agency said that one fan is seriously injured after being stabbed in the abdomen and was undergoing surgery, while another was wounded in the buttocks after also being attacked by Milan ultras. The third was stabbed in the thigh. All of them have been taken to different hospitals in the city.

The three incidents occurred near Milan's San Siro stadium, where there was a heavy police presence ahead of a crucial match. The fans were aged between 18 and 32.

Three more people were also injured, but not as seriously, during further trouble near the stadium.

Earlier, a group of Ajax fans clashed with protesters, while others threw bottles at shops and passers-by in various streets in the center of Milan.

Milan needs a point to progress to the knockout stages, while Ajax has to win.