An Italian football steward had his spleen removed after being struck by a free-kick in Torino’s win over Inter Milan last Sunday.
Antonio Candreva sent a wayward shot towards goal that flew high over the bar before hitting Marco Rapisarda who was behind the goal.
The steward had been facing the other way and had no time to brace himself for the impact of the shot.
He was then taken to hospital after suffering from back pain, and was diagnosed with having a ruptured spleen.
According to Sky Sport Italian, in order to stop the internal haemorrhage, the steward had to have his spleen removed.
The operation went well but the 25-year-old is still in hospital, though he has been sent gifts from both Torino and Inter Milan.
Candela has got a fair amount of criticism for what happened, with fans joking that he has ruptured more spleen than scored goals this season.
As a result of what happened in the game, stewards who stay behind the goal in Turin will now be moved behind Plexiglas protection.
