Fighting broke out between a small group of Liverpool and Sevilla fans in the stands prior to the Reds' 3-1 defeat at the Europa League final in Basle.

With the Spanish club selling only 7,000 of their 9,000 allocated tickets, the Merseysiders took over what appeared to be almost three-quarters of the 35,000-capacity ground.

There was no segregation in the end which housed the Sevilla fans, and a small scuffle broke out between around 20 to 30 supporters.

Fans scuffle prior to the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St Jakob-Park

The incident took place behind one of the goals in the area where the two sets of fans were sharing a stand

A mixture of stewards and riot police raced in to contain the scuffle which was loudly condemned by most

A small but heated scuffle broke out between a group of around 20 to 30 supporters shortly before kick off

The incident took place behind one of the goals in the area where the two sets of fans merged at Basle's St Jakob-Park stadium.

A line of riot police were called in to separate those involved in the skirmish, which included supporters of the Spanish team that were wearing T-shirts with the word 'Ultras' on them – a term often used to refer to the most fervent supporters.

The fracas was quickly contained and loudly condemned by the majority of those in attendance to watch the European showpiece.

The lack of segregation in that part of the stadium will no doubt have come as a shock to those watching, especially with so much at stake on the night.

The area of the stand had surprisingly little segregation (no indication any of the pictured fans were involved)

Stewards attempt to hold back the Sevilla fans as they try to force their way into the Liverpool section

The majority of spectators watched on as a minority spoiled the early stages of the clash

Having finished eighth, the Reds failed in their bid to secure Champions League football via the Premier League but had a shot at redemption as they attempted to win Europe's secondary competition and gain access to the continent's top table.

Unfortunately for Jurgen Klopp's men Daniel Sturridge's brilliant opener proved insufficient as the Reds suffered a collapse in the second half.

Two goals from Coke and one from Kevin Gameiro saw Sevilla seal a hat-trick of Europa League victories.

The incident, involving a small section of supporters marred the build-up to the European final