Liverpool's U19s saw off Porto in the UEFA Youth League at Kirby before tempers flared on Merseyside.
The Reds came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw on the night before enjoying a 6-5 victory on penalties. Jesus Diaz - the brother of current Liverpool star Luis Diaz - was among those to miss for the Portuguese side, who would seemingly take exception to the celebrations.
A mass brawl ensued on the pitch with three men eventually being sent-off, which included Liverpool's Lewis Koumas. Subs from both sides ran on as the players began shoving each other with the linesman having to duck for cover as punches were thrown.
Liverpool's Ben Doak, who is highly rated having joined from Celtic last year, ended up with a bloody lip as he was caught during the melee. It was the 17-year-old Scot who missed in the shootout with his effort rebounding off the post.
It put the Reds on the back foot but a crucial miss from Umaro Cande would end Porto's European hopes and Liverpool now face another Portuguese side in Sporting Lisbon. Porto had taken a surprise lead with Jorge Meireles scoring from 12 yards, but Melkamu Frauendorf levelled things in the second-half.
It was the game's aftermath that was the talking point, however. Liverpool's youngsters have already been involved in unsavoury scenes this season. They clashed with Ajax's players during a 3-1 defeat earlier this season.
Teenage star Dominic Corness underlined his desire to come out on top in Europe in what will be his final year playing at this level. He said: “We are having a good run in the UEFA Youth League so far this season and we want to continue that. This is my last year playing in this competition so I want to try to make it the best it possibly can be.”
Corness is also hoping he can follow in Stefan Bajcetic's footsteps by making the lead to the first-team. “It gives you a lot of hope,” he added.
“Obviously we know Stef really well, he’s a quality player and he’s a sound lad as well, and we are all made up for him getting this opportunity. It does give you a lot of hope that if you keep doing the right things then you will get your chance.”
