The Greek league football game between Olympiakos Pireausand Panathinaikos was abandoned after violence erupted between fans and police on Sunday, it has been reported.

The clashes began when hundreds of youths without tickets tried to enter the stadium before the game started. The conflict was continuing throughout the match, forcing the second half of the match to be started 35 minutes late, reported the Associated Press.

The fans of the visiting team Olympiakos were not allowed to enter the stadium under their policy for fear of violence between the fans of the two teams. Olympiakos were leading with 1-0 from Djamel Abdoun's 51st-minute goal.

Panathinaikos fans started throwing petrol bombs and setting fire to sections of stands, which prompted referee Tassos Kakos to abandon the game. Three fire trucks were called in to extinguish flames. More than 50 people have been arrested and several police officers were injured, reported Reuters.

"I would have liked to talk about a great derby but unfortunately I can't because this didn't happen," Reuters quoted Panathinaikos' coach Jesualdo Ferreira as saying.

"As a professional I feel very sorry for what I saw and as a person who loves Panathinaikos, I certainly don't understand it," he added.

According to league rules, if a match is abandoned due to crowd trouble, the offending team will face a penalty include 0 point from that game, a fine ranging from 120,000 euros - 180,000 euros as well as point deductions, a Reuters report said.

Panathinaikos will face a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.

Police chase Panathinaikos fans
Police chase Panathinaikos' fans during a Greek Super League Football match against Olympiakos at Olympic stadium in Athens REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
Police chase Panathinaikos fans
Police chase Panathinaikos' fans before the match REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
Olympiakos039 Jose Holebas enters the playing field
Olympiakos' Jose Holebas enters the playing field as police stand guard during the match REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
A soccer fan sprays water
A soccer fan sprays water at riot policemen during the match REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
Football Fan Runs
A football fan runs in front of burning seats during a Greek Super League soccer match at Olympic stadium in Athens on 18 March 18. REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
Smoke from burning seats rise
Smoke from burning seats rise during a match between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos at Olympic stadium in Athens REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
Seats are set on fire
Seats are set on fire after the football match REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
Panathinaikos fans hold flares
Panathinaikos fans hold flares before the football match between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos Piraeus REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
Riot police secure the pitch
Riot police secure the pitch during the match between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis