Ball boy injured after being hit in the neck by a burning flare during Champions League clash
A BALL boy at Stuttgart’s Champions League match against Atalanta was hit in the neck by a burning flare, German reports say.
The match ended 2-0 to the visiting Italian side but it was the home supporters who made themselves most known.
One Stuttgart end was filled with smoke after red flares were set off during the game.
In the second half, a burning flare flew was thrown towards the pitch and hit a ball boy in the neck.
The incident was caught on surveillance cameras, police said.
Medics attended to the ball boy with his injuries remaining unknown.
According to German outlet Welt, another fan in the stands suffered burns while two others had to be treated for the smoke.
Away spectators are also said to have set off fireworks.
Second-half goals from Ademola Lookman and Nicolo Zaniolo settled the sides.
But there was history made as 18-year-old Jarzinho Malanga became Stuttgart’s second-youngest debutant.
Manager Sebastian Hoeness said: “He immediately gave us an impetus with his easy-going manner, which is how it should be when you make a substitution.
“His shot was a little statement of intent. We’re confident he’ll continue to put a lot of hard work into his development.”