Second tier clash abandoned after goalkeeper hit by exploding firework as clubs provide conflicting statements

CONTROVERSY erupted as a second-division match in Argentina was abandoned after a goalkeeper was hit by an exploding firework.

Deportivo Madryn hosted Deportivo Maipu at the Coliseo del Golfo in a heated Primera Nacional play-off on Saturday.

Madryn led 3-1 until the 82nd minute but the game came to a halt when the visitors’ keeper Nahuel Galardi fell to the ground in pain.

Footage shared on social media shows Galardi, 24, falling after a firework went off right above him.

Maipu’s medical staff immediately tended to the Argentine before the enraged visitors insisted their player was severely injured and required further care.

Galardi was taken to a local medical facility and thus the referee had to call off the game.

But then controversy ensued as Madryn issued a public statement insisting the goalie wasn’t at all injured.

The announcement claimed a third-party medical team present on the field deemed Galardi suffered no injuries.

It was also claimed the clinic the keeper was taken to didn’t find any problems either.

Madryn’s statement read: “Club Social y Deportivo Madryn reports that, in light of the publicly-known events, it made its medical staff available from the outset.

“Likewise, the professionals from the private emergency service that provides coverage at each match assessed the Club Deportivo Maipu player on the field of play and found no injuries. Nevertheless, Club Deportivo Maipu decided to take him to a clinic for a second assessment.

“Our medical teams accompanied the player to the private Santa Maria clinic, where he was treated by another team of professionals.

“According to information provided by the clinic, the goalkeeper had no injuries, lasting effects, or physical impairments that would prevent him from continuing to play in the match.

“The assessment found that he had no bleeding, retained equal strength on both sides of his body, and was oriented to time and place.

“Once the assessment was complete, the player left the clinic under his own power, along with the rest of the visiting delegation.”

Maipu, though, immediately responded with a fiery statement of their own completely contradicting their opponents’ claims.

The Argentinean outfit insisted Galardi was indeed hurt as the medical facility found problems with his ears as a result of the exploding firework.

Maipu’s announcement read: “The Maipu Sports Club considers it necessary to express its most vigorous rejection of what manifested in the statement issued by the Madryn Social and Sports Club, in relation to the events that occurred during the disputed encounter between the two institutions.

“Our institution counts on the medical record issued by the Santa Maria Clinic in Puerto Madryn, where our goalkeeper, Nahuel Galardi, was attended by the service of the Central Guard, after being affected by a pyrotechnic projectile thrown from the local tribune.

Conflicting statements

“According to the diagnosis of the Central Guardia doctor, the footballer presents an acoustic concussion (acoustic shock), produced by the impact of the pyrotechnic projectile, which caused symptomatology of tinnitus (buzzing in the ears), cephalea and photophobia.

“According to the indication of the intervening medical professional, the player must complete 48 hours of rest from the date of care.

“Also, it has been recommended that further medical studies and examinations be conducted during the next few hours, in order to rule out any possible sequel arising from the incident. The care was accompanied by medical professionals from both institutions.

“In this context, we consider it essential that any information disseminated publicly fits the events and existing medical documentation, prioritising the health and physical integrity of the player at all times.

“The Maipu Deportivo Club categorically rejects any attempt to minimise the gravity of the incident and reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of its footballer and to the clarification of facts.

“We will continue to accompany Nahuel and his family, paying attention to his evolution and indications from health professionals.”