BRATISLAVA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Sixteen people were injured in a clash before the Champions League qualifier between Slovak club MSK Zilina and Czech side Sparta Prague on Wednesday.

Police spokeswoman Jana Baloghova said around 500 Czech fans started throwing smoke bombs in Zilina town center before a pub was wrecked.

"We are investigating whether or not the intervention was appropriate," he said.

MSK Zilina won the match 1-0 to became the third Slovakian club to reach the Champions League group stages.