Ajax's match against Utrecht had to be suspended twice at the Stadion Galgenwaard on Sunday afternoon as tensions reached boiling point.
The Eredivise clash marked a real test for both clubs, who have found themselves languishing in the relegation places after nearly a quarter of the way through the new campaign.
Ajax's horror start to the season went from bad to worse against their local rivals as pressure on manager Maurice Steijn continues to build.
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The Dutch club's winless run extended to eight games after they were on the receiving end of a seven-goal thriller, losing 4-3 despite coming back from two goals in the second half.
Steijn has guided Ajax to just two wins in 12 matches all term, but Sunday's defeat to Utrecht was the last straw for many supporters.
Ajax's supporters continued to protest against the club's dismal form, forcing the referee Dennis Higler to suspend the game at in the 89th minute, with the scores all tied at 3-3, after a plastic cup was thrown onto the pitch.
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Play resumed shortly after, with the fourth official confirming there would be eight minutes of stoppage time.
Oscar Fraulo then fired the hosts in front, in what proved to be the eventual winner for Utrecht.
Staring down the barrel of a sixth defeat, some fans let their emotions boil over once again, with the referee putting a stop to the game for the second time.
The result leaves Ajax in 17th place in the table after seven matches, with Steijn's job at severe risk. However, they do have two games in hand over Utrecht ahead of them.
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Topics: Ajax, Eredivisie, Football
Joe Adams