Updates on Reported Stabbings Ahead of AC Milan vs. Ajax

Yet another important soccer event has been marred by violence. Three Ajax fans were stabbed prior to the team's Champions League matchup against AC Milan in Milan, Italy, on Wednesday, according to Agence France-Presse, via Yahoo! Sports.

Although details remain scarce, ANSA is reporting that one of the victims is expected to be fine, but another is in serious condition after being stabbed in the stomach.

According to the AFP report, the stabbings may have had something to do with altercations that occurred near Piazza Loreto between Ajax and Milan fans earlier in the day, as seen in this video:

Tancredi Palmeri of CNN is reporting that police detained a number of Ajax fans to prevent them from potentially seeking retribution for the stabbings.

"

Around 100 Ajax fans taken under police control. Reports that the 3 stabbing have been organized as revenge for today's assault

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) December 11, 2013"

It isn't surprising that emotions were running high for such a high-profile match, but things clearly got out of hand.     

Heading into the match, Milan had a one-point lead over Ajax in Group H, so a draw would allow the Italian side to advance.

If Ajax can find a way to win, however, it will knock Milan out of the competition and advance along with Barcelona.

This situation comes on the heels of a major riot that occurred during a Brazilian league match between Atletico Paranaense and Vasco da Gama on Dec. 8, according to David Stout of Time.com.

That particular riot took place within the stands during the match, while the incident in Milan occurred outside the stadium.

Whatever the case, violence in soccer is an increasingly troubling problem, and the events that happened prior to the Ajax vs. Milan match will only serve to spotlight the issue.   

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