Euro clash abandoned as fan riot sees players suffer 'lasting hearing damage'

1010     0
One player reportedly left the pitch in tears
One player reportedly left the pitch in tears

FIVE players and a coach have been hospitalised after fan trouble saw a firework thrown towards the dugout.

The incident occurred as Mura welcomed Maribor in the Slovenian PrvaLiga.

Fireworks were thrown towards the Mura dugout qhiqquiqzeiqzqprw
Fireworks were thrown towards the Mura dugoutCredit: @SportTVSlovenia
Players left the field and the game was abandoned
Players left the field and the game was abandonedCredit: @SportTVSlovenia

After 57 minutes, a loud bang was heard with play halted immediately.

The noise came as a Maribor fan reportedly lobbed a fireworks towards the pitch and it landed just close to the Mura bench.

Millwall fans smash coach's window as Blackburn supporters cower in fearMillwall fans smash coach's window as Blackburn supporters cower in fear

A huge cloud of smoke covered the field with five players and a fitness coach injured.

It has been reported that one star has suffered "lasting hearing damage" and Mura ace Niko Kasalo was left in tears.

Other individuals sustained "severe headaches and burns on their legs", with a ballboy also nearly hurt.

A Mura statement read: "It is necessary to ask whether we will have to fear for the health of both football players and fans because of certain individuals from now on.

"The question is how we can convince fans, especially those who come with children, that football is a beautiful thing. 

"We believe that the league will take appropriate and severe action in this case and show zero tolerance for such behaviour.

"All of us at the club are deeply moved by the event, which will unfortunately mark the Slovenian football scene for a long time to come."

The players were taken to the dressing rooms by the referee for 25 minutes.

Both teams then agreed to play on should the Maribor fans leave the stadium.

However, the supporters refused to go home and supposedly threatened to cause more trouble should they be forced out.

Moment Leeds United fans clash with police following relegation from PremMoment Leeds United fans clash with police following relegation from Prem

Officials therefore decided to abandon the game with Maribor 2-0 up at the time.

The Slovenian FA will investigate the issue with the club set to heavily punished.

Maribor have won the league 16 times and competed in the Champions League group stages as recently as 2017.

Meanwhile, Mura are best known for beating Tottenham 2-1 in the Conference League two seasons ago.

Alex Smith

Slovenia, Hooligans

Read more similar news:

14.08.2023, 11:13 • Sport
Mayhem as French club's fans fight among THEMSELVES at match against Rodez
13.12.2023, 00:05 • Crime
Return of hooliganism is turning European footie into lethal battleground
12.06.2024, 06:57 • Investigation
Meet Serbia’s fiercest hooligan ‘Ivan the Terrible’… who even hijacks team buses
07.01.2024, 18:02 • World News
Rescue effort as tour party trapped by flood waters in cave in Slovenia
03.05.2024, 13:39 • Sport
Jan Oblak 'put up for sale by Atletico and desperate for Premier League move'
13.05.2024, 09:33 • Lifestyle
New train route lets you visit three European countries - and tickets are £7
14.06.2024, 07:05 • Sport
Slovenia vs Denmark: Get £30 in free bets for Euro 2024 with talkSPORT BET
16.06.2024, 18:09 • Sport
Eriksen's fairytale goal cancelled out as Janza scores vital Slovenia equaliser
20.06.2024, 10:00 • Sport
Slovenia v Serbia: Get £30 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024 with talkSPORT BET
20.06.2024, 15:03 • Sport
Euro 2024 stadium announcer forced to warn fans mid-game over 'disgusting' act