Cristiano Biraghi, Fiorentina defender and skipper, was hit by a missile during Wednesday night’s Europa League Conference Final versus West Ham, resulting in a serious gash to the back of his skull. While Hammers midfielder Declan Rice tried to calm down the travelling fans, Fiorentina’s captain for the evening was bandaged up.
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At the Fortuna Arena in Prague, the 30-year-old Italian full-back was being attacked by multiple things, including plastic cups and a vape pen, as he moved towards the corner flag. Before blood began to gush from Biraghi’s head, the player made a clapping motion towards the West Ham supporters in the stadium. The incident ended the game.
Declan Rice led a number of other Hammers players in pleading with the crowd to remain calm before play resumed. After receiving treatment, Biraghi, who first reacted to being struck by mockingly cheering the London club’s supporters, was cleared to continue.
Following a frenetic few minutes in which both teams were uneasy about the event, the Premier League team was lucky to go into the half at 0-0. Before the halftime, Luka Jovic pounced to head in from close range, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Fiorentina supporters were chastised earlier in the day for throwing chairs at opponents and setting off flares and rockets. Police later acknowledged that 30 guys had been detained following the incident.
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