Last updated on .From the section European Football

AC Milan qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League at the expense of Ajax on a night marred by crowd trouble.

Three Ajax supporters were taken to hospital after being stabbed during street fights before the goalless draw.

One supporter suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries after being stabbed in the stomach.

Milan qualified alongside Barcelona despite the dismissal of Riccardo Montolivo in the first half.

The injured Ajax fans were taken to Milan's San Carlo hospital.

A police spokesman said: "The one with the stomach wound is clearly the most serious but as far as I understand it's not life-threatening."

The fixture was played against a backdrop of off-field incidents on Wednesday.

A street salesman suffered a minor knife wound but did not require hospital treatment and three Ajax supporters were arrested after an attempted robbery of a street kiosk.

AC Milan's players celebrate reaching the last 16 after a tense night against Ajax

On the field, Ajax dominated even before midfielder Montolivo was shown a straight red card in the 22nd minute for a reckless challenge on Christian Poulsen.

Massimiliano Allegri's side held on to finish a point ahead of their opponents and four behind group winners Barcelona, who thrashed Celtic 6-1 at the Nou Camp.

Poulsen hit the post for Ajax after five minutes and keeper Christian Abbiati kept the visitors at bay with a several saves.

The Dutch side failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage and have to settle for a place in the Europa League.