A FOOTBALL match in Basildon last night (Friday, 5 November) was abandoned after a player was hit by a firework, while others rained down on the pitch.

The game was being played at Bowers & Pitsea's Len Salmon Stadium where tenants Hashtag United were playing a reserves game against Concord Rangers.

Hashtag player Matas Skrna required treatment after the firework landed near him on the artificial pitch, with the sparks from the explosion striking his legs.

"We expect fireworks whenever Hashtag Unted play but not like this!" the club tweeted. "Our player is luckily ok but this could have been bad!"

A further two fireworks landed near the pitch and the match was abandoned, with Hashtag leading 2-0.