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The original was posted on /r/soccer by /u/Sparky-moon on 2026-01-27 11:00:36+00:00.
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.
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 info@pompeyfc.co.uk
'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.’
BBC.
A ball boy and a worker were injured when a pyrotechnic device exploded after it was thrown towards the pitch during Sunday’s south coast derby between Portsmouth and Southampton.
Several missiles and other items were also hurled towards the Fratton Park playing surface, Portsmouth FC added.
“One of these devices loudly exploded, leaving one of our young ball retrievers requiring medical treatment, as well as a member of staff suffering from burns,” the club said in a statement.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it was investigating several incidents, including one which left a ball boy with a cut lip. Three people were arrested and one man charged over incidents during the match.
During the game, assistant referee Alex James was pictured handing a tubular object to referee Lewis Smith after it was thrown from the stands.
The club said it had previously been warned by the FA over supporters’ behaviour and could face further fines or non-financial penalties.
It added: “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.”
The club and police said they were reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.
A 36-year-old man, from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of common assault. He has been bailed while inquiries continue.
Two other men, aged 28 and 32 and from Portsmouth were arrested on suspicion of going on to the playing area. They were both bailed while inquiries continue.
Richard Conaghan, 34, of Courtmount Grove, Portsmouth, has been charged with going on to the playing area at a football match.
He has been bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 16 March.
A so-called “bubble” system in place for the derby meant rival fans had no contact with each other before and after the match as Southampton supporters were limited to using official transport organised by the club.