Portsmouth FC ballboy left with hearing loss after flashbang during Southampton match
Two ballboys were hurt during Pompey’s 1-1 draw with Southampton on Sunday at Fratton Park - with one boy left with “temporary hearing loss” in one ear.
A flashbang left a ballboy, named as 16-year-old Hayden, “shaken up” and needing medical attention following the incident at the Milton End. It was also reported that a 15-year-old boy was injured when a crutch was thrown, allegedly by away supporters.
Jade Rogers, issuing a Facebook post on behalf of Hayden, said she was not sure if the flashbang came from Pompey or Saints fans - but confirmed it did not hit him. “The flashbang detonated extremely close to Hayden, but did not hit him and has left him with temporary hearing loss in one ear (which we have been told to get checked again in 48 hours) and a nasty headache,” she wrote.
“He was immediately attended to by medics at Fratton Park who took him from pitch side, and once I was with him we were taken to first aid where he was blanketed up due to having been sat in the rain for two hours. (He was) so shaken up and cold (this was normal protocol) and given some pain relief.”
She continued: “Since the incident, between myself and Hayden, we have kept rumors squashed and kept all of the fan pages updated by commenting to let them know he is okay.
“We were contacted by the lovely (Portsmouth ambassador) Terence Carvalho with a video of support, reached out to from Lucketts Group Coach Hire and there has been a Go Fund Me started from a fan (who we have never met nor do we know) who wanted to show some Pompey love to the two boys who got injured during the game.”
She added: “(I) just wanted to reassure you all, that all is well and explain what happened. Thanks all for the love, well wishes and support.”
The Go Fund Me, set up by Wayne Sheath, read: “Hayden is 16 and was hit by what I have been told is a flashbang. He’s got bruising coming out on his face along with a big headache and just general pain in his head.
“Mackenzie is 15 and I don’t know the exact injuries he took today but a crutch was thrown from the away supporters and hit him. These two boys are just living out their dreams in the city they live in and at the football club they love most of all in the world.
“No one should go out to support or help their club and come away with injuries like this.”
Police said a 19-year-old arrested for throwing an object has been released with no further action to be taken.
Pompey have been approached for comment.