Firecracker Incident Halts German Soccer Match

A German soccer match was paused after a firecracker thrown by fans exploded near goalkeeper Felix Wienand. Playing for Rot-Weiss Essen, Wienand was hospitalized with potential trauma and stress. The game, facing Waldhof Mannheim, resumed after delays with Essen winning 1-0.

A dramatic incident unfolded during a German third division soccer game when a firecracker thrown from the stands exploded near goalkeeper Felix Wienand.

Representing Rot-Weiss Essen, Wienand was rushed to the hospital with a suspected acoustic trauma and stress reaction after an explosive was hurled from the Mannheim supporters' area.

The match was suspended for about 40 minutes but eventually continued, leading to Essen's 1-0 victory. Concerns persist regarding Wienand's potential long-term injuries.

(With inputs from agencies.)