Dynamo Moscow goalkeeper Anton Shunin was hospitalized with burns to his cornea after an explosive device was allegedly thrown onto the field by a fan of Zenit St. Petersburg. The Press Association notes that Shunin reported problems with both his vision and hearing after the device exploded in his face.
According to news outlet RT, police are searching for a female Zenit fan who allegedly hid the firecrackers in her body and smuggled them into the stadium. In addition to video showing a woman throwing the device, an unnamed law enforcement official said that dozens of condoms were found in the ladies’ room and are often used to stow flares inside the vagina or anus.
While Dynamo notes the violence was carried out by a fan of its opponent, Zenit points out Dynamo’s responsibility as the home team for both selling tickets and screening fans entering the stadium.
“At the moment there is no evidence that the violation was committed by Zenit fans,” Zenit’s statement reads. “The away team, which under the rules is not responsible for the safety of fans and participants of the match, cannot be sanctioned for it.”
The Touchline Times 