LISBON, Portugal (AP) -Riot police fired warning shots into the air to hold off rock-throwing fans of the Portuguese soccer team Sporting Lisbon.

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The violence followed the team's fourth draw in nine games, leaving the club in seventh place in the Portuguese league. Sporting is one of Portugal's three big clubs along with Porto and Benfica. It is off to its worst start in 18 years.

About 200 fans gathered outside Jose Alvalade Stadium on Sunday night after a 1-1 tie at home to Maritimo. Police stopped the fans from forcing their way into an area reserved for officials, coaching staff and players.

Authorities said the fans then threw stones and bottles at police, who responded with shotgun blasts into the air.