Fiorentina defender Cristiano Biraghi suffered a nasty cut to the back of his head after being struck by a missile during Wednesday night's Europa League Conference final against West Ham.
The 30-year-old Italian full-back was heading towards the corner flag at the Fortuna Arena in Prague when he was struck by several objects, including plastic cups and a vape pen.
Biraghi proceeded to make a clapping gesture towards the West Ham section of the crowd before blood started to pour from his head – a scene that brought the match to a halt.
Fiorentina's captain for the night was strapped up with a bandage while Hammers midfielder Declan Rice attempted to calm down the travelling supporters.
Here's how social media reacted to the incident.
One fan said: "Disgusting and inexcusable and we've been seeing this all season long. If you are lucky enough to be attending a cup final to support your team, do so with class. Cristiano Biraghi was bleeding from the head after being hit with a projectile. Tired of seeing this."
A second wrote: "West Ham are playing in their first European final in 47 years. Some achievement. So, naturally, some bright sparks have decided to spend the first half chucking things onto the pitch, one object hitting Fiorentina defender Biraghi and cutting his head. Jesus."
A third commented: "This is embarrassing. Some of the West Ham fans have repeatedly thrown cups and bottles causing Fiorentina's Biraghi to bleed from his head," while a fourth added: "Disgusting scenes to hit a player with a projectile like that. Biraghi pouring blood out of the back of his head just because he wanted to take a corner in a final."
Thoughts on the incident?
