Tear gas thrown from the stands onto the pitch disrupted last night’s La Liga game between Villareal and Celta Vigo.

The canister, which local media reported to be tear gas, was thrown onto the pitch with 88 minutes gone. Players and team officials, some clearly suffering the ill effects of the gas, left the field for half an hour before returning to complete the game. Spectators were told to leave the stadium.

Celta Vigo were leading the game 1-0 at the time of the disruption. Fabian Orellana had put them ahead at the El Madrigal Stadium just a few minutes earlier. It was 2-0 shortly after the re-start as Manuel Agudo scored a free kick in stoppage time.

Fernando Roid, Villareal president, condemned the act and told reporters the device was teargas similar to the type used by police.

"Villarreal condemns and laments what has happened,'' Roig told ESPN.

"This type of act in no way represents our fan base, which is calm and controlled. I am convinced that this was done by someone who came from outside to hurt Villarreal.''

Luis Enrique, Celta Vigo coach, said after the game he realised the seriousness of the situation when he saw his goalkeeper was suffering from the gas.

"Everyone thought it was a flare, but when we saw [goalkeeper] Yoel [Rodriguez's] eyes, which were bright red, we immediately realised that it was something more dangerous,'' he said. "