QATAR’s win over the United Arab Emirates descended into chaos on Tuesday night.
The hosts’ 2-1 victory rubber-stamped their qualification for a second consecutive World Cup.
And the UAE now need to come through a two-legged tie against Iraq, as well as an intercontinental play-off, in order to join them.
Tensions were already at boiling point when Boualem Khouki put Qatar ahead in the 49th minute.
After wheeling away to celebrate in front of the UAE supporters, Khouki and his team-mates were peppered with sandals, plastic bottles and cups.
Incredibly, when Pedro Miguel doubled Qatar’s lead, he also made a beeline towards the travelling fans.
Pandemonium erupted as an accredited match photographer appeared to throw his shoe at a player before getting into a scuffle.
A handful of fans jumped the barriers and stormed the field as cops tried in vain to keep a lid on things.
Players, staff, subs and fans were all caught up in the violent melee.
To make matters worse, Qatari supporters started launching objects of their own once play resumed.
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It remains to be seen whether the UAE are hit with sanctions ahead of their all-important Iraq double-header.
Former West Ham and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is now in charge of Qatar, and he issued a word of warning after the game.
The Spaniard said: “We have to avoid this kind of situation. These are dangerous things that we have to avoid.
“We all want to see passion supporting teams, and to celebrate, but we have to avoid this kind of behaviour. Football is one sport that joins countries and people.”
Lopetegui’s UAE counterpart, Cosmin Olaroiu, added: “It happened from both sides.
“It was not OK, but what can we do?”
