Europe’s continental football governing body is set to consider issuing sanctions following the fan violence that overshadowed Israeli team Maccabi’s 4-0 victory over hosts Spartans at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’Qali on Tuesday (July 11).

Maccabi and Spartans are both facing charges of "throwing of objects" and "crowd disturbances" by UEFA.

Further charges levelled at Spartans include "lighting of fireworks" and "acts of damage".

According to reports in Israel, the violence was sparked by chants of "Palestine, Palestine, Palestine" by Spartans’ supporters.

Malta has close ties with Palestine which remains locked in a long-running conflict with Israel.

The match was halted for 30 minutes as police officers entered the stand in a bid to bring an end to the clashes between fans.

The Times of Israel has reported that five Israeli supporters were arrested.

There also reports in Malta that two men were sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for three years and each fined $337 (£257/€300) after pleading guilty.

UEFA has said that the organisation’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will "decide on the matter in due course".

The second leg of the tie between Maccabi and Spartans is scheduled to be held in Israel on July 18.