A Soccer Player Lost a Finger After Picking Up a Firework Thrown by the Crowd That Exploded with a 'Bang'

A Belgian soccer player suffered a severe injury when a firework thrown by a spectator exploded as he picked it up, resulting in the amputation of his finger.

According to Belgian media outlet 'Brussels Times' on the 22nd (local time), Fabio Scipano (26), a member of the Flanders amateur soccer team KSCT Menen, was seriously injured in an explosion accident while picking up a firework thrown by a spectator.

[Image source=tuoitre]

Fabio, whose birthday was that day, scored two goals in an away game, leading his team to a 4-0 victory. After the match, he performed a celebratory ceremony for the fans.

At that moment, a spectator threw a firework onto the field, and Fabio, enjoying the joy of victory, picked up the firework that had fallen in front of him. However, the firework exploded with a 'bang' in Fabio's hand, and the stadium was instantly filled with smoke. Fabio was urgently transported to the hospital and received emergency treatment. Unfortunately, one of his fingers was completely amputated, and two other fingers had parts of their joints severed. Fabio said, "I picked it up to remove it because I was worried it might be dangerous for the players and spectators."

The spectator who threw the firework was identified as a 21-year-old Belgian man. He stated that "he did not intend to injure the player" and reportedly threw the firework into the stadium to celebrate the team's victory. However, in addition to legal responsibility, the spectator is expected to face an indefinite ban from entering stadiums in the future.

Local media reported that the firework thrown by the spectator is presumed to be a 'Cobra 6.' This firework is a professional-grade firework, and personal use is strictly prohibited in Belgium.