Aberdeen FC has paid tribute to two players from the club’s Europa League rivals who died in a car crash.

The Dons said they are “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of two young Maribor players.

A crash in the club’s home nation of Slovenia today is said to have resulted in the deaths of two players, and another being left in a “critical condition”.

Taking to social media, Aberdeen FC said it was “deeply saddened” at the news.

They are believed to have been travelling from a training camp in Slovenia’s Rogoza region, outside of Maribor.

The names of the players involved in the crash are not yet known.

Dons chief executive, Duncan Fraser, said: “I spoke with my counterpart Bojan Bon this afternoon and have passed on our condolences from all of the Aberdeen family.

“This puts everything into perspective. The clubs have developed an excellent relationship in the build up to the games and we will cooperate fully with any wishes that NK Maribor may have to mark this tragedy.”

One witness said the car had been torn in half by the accident.

The Dons drew 1-1 with Maribor at Pittodrie in a Europe League match last week and are due to fly out to Slovenia to face the team on Thursday.

2 Maribor Academy players died in a car crash today (via @VesnaLovrec )pic.twitter.com/nSDJSZcAEq — yugofooty (@jugofooty) August 2, 2016

Aberdeen Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of two young @nkmaribor players earlier today. pic.twitter.com/WkJRH0vPSN — Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) August 2, 2016