Footballer Fabio Schifano was transferred to intensive care after losing one of his fingers and amputating half of two others following the explosion of a powerful firecracker in his hand as he tried to remove the object from the ground.
The incident occurred after a match in the lower division of the Belgian championship between KSCT Minnen and Šelebecki, in which the visiting team celebrated the victory. But joy turned to dismay when an illegal “Cobra 6” firecracker was set off on the field, as Minin players gathered to thank their fans.
After scoring twice in the match, which also coincided with his 26th birthday, Schifano tried to throw the firecracker, but it exploded in his hand. The player received immediate medical attention and was taken to hospital with blood on the field.
He underwent urgent medical interventions, but the crew were unable to save one of his fingers and he also lost half of two other fingers as a result of the accident. The investigation is still ongoing to determine the identity of the fan who set off the fireworks.
The fan was identified as a 21-year-old man, who threw the firecracker in an attempt to celebrate Minine’s victory. The young man faces legal action for unintentional assault, while Club Menin has announced its intention to take civil action and is cooperating with police in the investigation.
