Hashtag United player nearly hit by firework during match

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Semi-professional league team Hashtag United played against Concord Rangers on Friday night but referees abandoned the match after a firework exploded at the feet of player Matas Skrna. Hashtag United were 2-0 up at the 60th minute but a stray firework exploded on the ground near Mr Skrna, launching sparks in his direction which appear to have hit his bare legs. The footballer fell to the ground in pain, calling for medical help as officials halted the match for a few minutes. The Bonfire Night game was then cancelled entirely.

Mr Skrna was running back towards his goal when a firework landed on the pitch and exploded on the ground near him.

The firework’s initial explosion led to smaller explosions on the ground. These appeared to catch Mr Skrna’s legs.

The player was treated on the scene, with the game halted for a few minutes.

But, as Concord Rangers were prepared to restart the game with a corner, match officials Joe Lannon, Robert Collins and Nicholas Hodges decided to abandon the match.

It is believed the firework came from a nearby house hosting their own display.

The incident was reported to Essex Police although Hashtag United’s reserve team manager does not think the firework was deliberately thrown.

Referees stopped the game after spotting more firework displays in the sky amid concerns for player safety.

The club said on Twitter: “We expect fireworks whenever @hashtagutd play but not like this. 

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“Our player, Matas Skrna, is luckily ok but this could have been bad.”

Reserve team manager Kiernan Hughes-Mason, who was at the match, said: “We saw the firework fly across the ground – and it was scary at the time when the player went down.

“It hit the ground right beside his heel and he was hit by sparks and felt a burning feeling – but luckily it only burned his sock.

“He was more worried about whether his goal still counted.”

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Hashtag United founder and owner Spencer Owen tweeted his anger at the event and called for fireworks to be outright banned.

He tweeted: “Yet another reason to add to the list of reasons to sack off fireworks. Dog owners know exactly what I’m saying. Glad Matas is ok.”

This was not the only football game disrupted on Bonfire Night. Waterford’s match against Shamrock Rovers was also suspended when fireworks were launched on the pitch.

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