Post by Taxigirl on Nov 30, 2003 9:51:03 GMT
A woman suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone after a firework hit her in the face at a Premiership football ground.
It was let off as part of the pre-match entertainment at Wolverhampton Wanderers' Molineux stadium, ahead of Saturday's lunchtime game with Newcastle United.
The firework skewed sideways from the pitch and into the Billy Wright stand.
Seven other supporters suffered minor injuries.
Strong winds
The woman was seen by television viewers with blood pouring from her face following the incident.
Eyewitnesses said strong winds caused problems as the display was arranged, apparently causing the firework to stray off course.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We attended the scene shortly after 1230 GMT and have taken one patient to hospital with injuries which are not thought to be serious."
The match, which ended as a 1-1 draw, kicked off shortly after the incident.
Jez Moxey, the chief executive of Wolverhampton Wanderers football club, said he was very sorry about what happened.
"Our sympathies, and thoughts are with the lady at this time," he said.
"Obviously, this was a very frightening experience for everyone involved and we are all shocked.
"We have licence to run these displays and have used the same company, Jubilee Fireworks, for the last two seasons.
"It is the same display that we use for most matches and a risk assessment is carried out both by the club and the company in advance of every display.
"A full investigation has now been launched by the club as well as the local authority to find out to find out what went wrong.
"But, I can say without doubt now that there will be no more displays here at Molineux as a consequence of today's (Saturday's) incident."