Israeli football players are attacked with flying kicks by pro-Palestinians who invade pitch during friendly match in Austria

Israeli football team Maccabi Haifa's game against French side Lille had to be stopped after pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the pitch. Supporters of reportedly Turkish origin ran onto the field in the Austrian stadium where the game was played and headed for the Maccabi players, sparking ugly scenes.
Israeli football team Maccabi Haifa's game against French side Lille had to be stopped after pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the pitch.

Supporters of reportedly Turkish origin ran onto the field in the Austrian stadium where the game was played and headed for the Maccabi players, sparking ugly scenes.

One of the players is seen to trip a fan before punches were thrown. The Maccabi players - some of whom retaliated - managed to leave the field unhurt.

Maccabi Haifa denounced the attack, saying the club 'believes in co-existence, tolerance and is against violence'

VIDEO Scroll down to watch protestors storm the pitch and attack Maccabi players

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Attack: Protestors storm the pitch and appear to attack the Maccabi Haifa players

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Ugly scenes: Protestors attack the Maccabi Haifa players forcing the game to be called off early

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Brawl: Protestors and Maccabi Haifa players clash after the game is stopped

A club statement given to the Jerusalem Post added: 'This didn't happen because of sport or football, it happened because we are a team which represents Israel.'

The incident comes amid fears of growing anti-Semitism in Europe at time when Israeli forces are locked in a violent conflict with militant group Hamas in Gaza.