Former Newcastle loanee Jetro Willems is hit by one of his own fans in a game which is temporarily suspended after Groningen fans invaded the pitch

Jetro Willems, who represented Newcastle, was hit by one of his own supporters after spirits broke during an Eredivisie game.

The defender, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at St James’ Park, now plays for Groningen, who are struggling in the Dutch top flight after winning just four of 26 games this season.

With Willems’ side 2-0 against Heerenveen on Sunday, supporters began to get angry as a toxic atmosphere from the stands spilled onto the pitch.

In the 80th minute of the match, fans swarmed onto the pitch as the stewards struggled to hold them off, leading to the game being suspended.

Among a number of Groningen players, Willems addressed their supporters in an attempt to calm the situation, but attempts at peace saw a fan punch him in the face.

The supporter was arrested for the incident and luckily the left-back doesn’t appear to be seriously injured.

As chaos began in the stands, the referee decided to send the teams back to their dressing rooms amid growing fears that the game might be suspended altogether.

However, the last ten minutes of the match could be completed, with Groningen unable to change the 2-0 scoreline.

The 28-year-old only joined the relegation strugglers in February this year and has made four appearances for the club.

Willems is fondly remembered for his time at Tyneside after spending the 2019/20 campaign on loan, making 20 appearances in the process.