Football match abandoned after firework hits player

This is the moment a firework hit a footballer after landing on the pitch during a game.

A video showed the explosion on the grass during Hashtag United’s home match against Concord Rangers in Pitsea, Essex, on Friday evening.

The missiles landed near Hashtag player Matas Skrna, who can be seen falling to the ground.

The club’s Twitter account later confirmed Skrna was OK, but the game in the semi-professional Isthmian League was abandoned due to fireworks still being let off nearby.

The firework was thought to have accidentally landed on the pitch after being let off from a nearby display.

Watch: Fireworks hit Hashtag United player during match

Read more: Three police officers hurt after crowd of 50 people throw fireworks at them

Hashtag wrote on Twitter: "We expect fireworks whenever @hashtagutd play but not like this.

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

Hashtag reserve team manager Kiernan Hughes-Mason said fans had spotted the fireworks coming from a house and asked them to stop.

He added: "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."

The incident was reported to Essex Police. Yahoo News UK has contacted them for comment.

Hashtag, who were formed five years ago, were winning 2-0 when the match was prematurely ended.