Fans in Cyprus throw firecracker at injured player

Fans in Cyprus throw firecracker at injured player

Published Oct. 22, 2012 9:43 a.m. ET

Fans of a Cypriot soccer club threw a powerful firecracker at one of its players while he was receiving medical treatment during a game.

The team, Anorthosis Famagusta, said no one was seriously injured.

Trainers were tending to Colombian forward Ricardo Laborde on Sunday. Video footage shows the trainers and Laborde writhing on the ground after the firecracker exploded inches from their faces.

Anorthosis Famagusta condemned the actions of its fans and also denounced those who lit flares during the league game against Omonia Nicosia.

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Anorthosis, which is tied for first place, urged police on Monday to check fans more thoroughly when entering the stadium. Police said investigators are studying television footage to track down the culprit.

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