THE founder of a football club in Essex has said a firework which exploded near one of his team’s players could have “blinded” them.

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.

Echo: Spencer Owen - Picture: Twitter / Spencer OwenSpencer Owen - Picture: Twitter / Spencer Owen

Spencer Owner, a presenter and social media personality, founded the club back in 2016.

Reacting to the incident he said: "Yet another reason to add to the list of reasons to sack off fireworks.

“Dog owners know exactly what I’m saying. Glad Matas is ok.

“A few inches different and our lad could have been blinded. Not the only football game something like this happened at last night either.”

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.

Echo:

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.”Yeah 

Essex Police have reportedly been notified by the club and the Echo has contacted them for more information.