A Tunisian footballer has set himself on fire outside a police station after reportedly being charged with terrorism. 

As reported by England's Daily Star, a shocking footage circulating on social media, showed that footballer Nizar Issaoui, 35, was seen setting light to his clothing next to a police station in Haffouz, Kairouane, prompting screams from those positioned around him.

According to the reports, Issaoui had got into a dispute with a fruit seller, which had led to the charges. He is said to have suffered severe burns, but is in a stable condition. 

Issaoui ranted to the camera in the 45-second long clip which was shared by journalist Souhail Khmira on Twitter before he could be seen putting a lighter to the jumper he was wearing, which was presumably doused in a flammable liquid beforehand.

He referenced the alleged terrorism charges in his lengthy speech to the camera.

As many of the bystanders ran away, he appeared to drop his phone to the floor. Another person came and picked it up, which was when the recording stopped. He joined ES El Jem in his native Tunisia in January, but is currently without a club.

Aside from a six-month spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Orobah FC in 2015, Issaoui appears to have spent his entire career playing in his home country.