A 16-year-old Portsmouth ball boy has been left unable to hear in one ear after a missile thrown from the stands exploded nearby during Sunday’s fiery south coast derby against Southampton at Fratton Park.
Hayden Rogers was at the side of the pitch when the object landed just feet away. Although he was not directly hit, the explosion caused temporary hearing loss and a severe headache.
Hayden received immediate medical attention at Portsmouth’s home ground and has been left shaken. It remains unclear who threw the object or whether it came from home or away fans.
His mother, Jade Rogers, told Daily Mail Sport on Monday: ‘He had to have further checks today because he was still struggling with pain and a headache.
‘We took him to see somebody today who said that unfortunately the injured ear is still really clouded which is preventing them from seeing the back of the eardrum to know if it’s been perforated or not – but they suspect because he’s not in excruciating pain that it hasn’t.
‘So it is looking good in the sense that there’ll hopefully be no real long-term damage although it is just still quite muffled and quite painful from the loud noise.
A 16-year-old Portsmouth ball boy, Hayden Rogers (pictured) has been left unable to hear in one ear after a missile thrown from the stands exploded nearby during the south coast derby
The incident occurred during the fiery encounter between Portsmouth and Southampton
‘The medics on the ground, we couldn’t fault them at all. They got to him so quickly to usher him off to see what had happened, so that was really fortunate. It’s been all hands on deck from the club as well, who have been really good with it.’
Jade said medics have warned that noise-related incidents can cause PTSD and explained that the experience has had a clear impact on her son.
‘He struggled to sleep last night because he kept thinking about it,’ she said.
However, she added: ‘Actually his priority, when he found out that I’d received a call (from the club) to check in on him, he said “We’ve got a game on Saturday, am I still allowed to be a ball retriever?” So it’s definitely not put him off which is great.’
It was also reported that a 15-year-old boy was injured after a crutch was thrown in the stands.
Following the incidents, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support both boys, prompting an outpouring of messages from the Portsmouth football community.
Five arrests have been made in connection with the game.
Portsmouth FC said: ‘The club are continuing to review CCTV footage from each of these various incidents and we appeal to anyone with any information to email us in confidence at [email protected]
A broken seat was also thrown on the pitch by fans during the game at Fratton Park
‘Hampshire Police are also investigating the incident involving the pyrotechnic device exploding and they can be contacted with any information on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44260041733.
‘The FA also warned the club as to its future conduct, meaning any further breaches leave the club at risk of further penalties – which may not be limited to just financial sanctions.
‘We will not tolerate any future such behaviour and any spectator(s) identified as having encroached onto the pitch or having thrown missiles, either on Sunday or at any future match, will be subject to a significant club sanction, as well as a potential criminal investigation and a football banning order.
‘Portsmouth FC remain proud and grateful for the amazing support we receive both home and away. We remain totally committed to delivering a safe environment at Fratton Park for everyone. Players, match officials, staff and all supporters should feel entitled to this assurance, whatever the circumstances.’
