A FOOTBALL match had to be abandoned after a player was struck down by an exploding firework after it was launched onto the pitch.

Hashtag United, based in Pitsea, took on Concord Rangers FC on Friday night in a fiery Essex Senior League Reserve Division One clash.

Just prior to the 60th minute, with the home team comfortably leading 2-0, Hashtag United player Matas Skrna was hit by a firework while jogging towards his own goal.

As it hit the Len Salmon Stadium's pitch the rocket exploded at his feet, resulting in him falling to the floor injured and clearly in pain. 

Thankfully, the player came away from the shocking incident relatively unscathed, but the match had to be abandoned after those responsible for setting off the fireworks refused to stop.

In a statement published by the club a spokesman said: “We expect fireworks whenever Hashtag United play but not like this

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

“Game abandoned at 2-0 up as house where fireworks came from refused to stop. 

"Two more landed near pitch. Police have been notified. Stay safe.”