Footballer Elabdellaoui hospitalised with eye injuries after firework accident

LINDSEY PARNABY / AFP

Norwegian footballer Omar Elabdellaoui was hospitalised with eye damage and facial burns after fireworks exploded in his hand at his home in Istanbul on New Year's Eve.

 

Elabdellaoui, a Norway national side member and former Manchester City player, was conscious and the injuries are not life threatening, his Turkish club Galatasaray said on Friday.

The eye damage will be understood after further examination, it added.

A four-day coronavirus-related curfew began in Turkey at 9:00 pm (local time) on Thursday, meaning that large gatherings to celebrate the New Year were not possible and people had to party at home, where some set off fireworks.

"Fireworks exploded in Omar's hand. But he speaks and can respond to doctors" in the intensive care ward, the club's vice president Abdurrahim Albayrak told reporters at the hospital.

"The year 2020 was unlucky, and Galatasaray members experienced such an unlucky event at the last minute," he said.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    1:00pm - 4:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!