Germany's opening Euro 2024 match with Scotland may have taken place a week ago but one Germany fan is still dealing with the effects of an incident that occurred as part of it.
Before kick-off at the Allianz Arena last week, Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug was taking part in shooting practice as normal in the warm-up when one of his off-target shots smashed into the crowd.
While this isn't a particularly unusual experience at a football match, on this occasion the shot struck a Germany fan so hard that it broke his hand. Kai Flathmann, who was sat behind one of the goals at the Allianz Arena, was sent into a state of shock after the strike and had to leave the stadium on a stretcher.
ZLATAN COULD NEVER ? Niclas Fullkrug hit a shot so hard in the pre-match warm-up he broke Germany fan Kai Flathmann’s hand ahead of their game against Scotland.
Lucky for supporters his goal hit the top corner later in the game. ???? pic.twitter.com/pEfelWaDyI
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 18, 2024
Taking to social media yesterday to detail the experience, he posted a picture of himself in hospital with his arm in a sling. In the caption, he said: “I have no words, crazy things Bild is now reporting on this unfortunate incident and the German FA have been in touch with me as well.”
Niclas Füllkrug to send care package to Flathmann
According to Bild, who have since conducted an interview with Flathmann, Fullkrug feel really guilty about the incident, not only because his shot broke the fan's hand but also because it meant he couldn't fulfil his dream of watching Germany at an international tournament.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is one of the best ball-strikers in Europe and his goal against Scotland later in the evening was recorded to have hit a top speed of 68mph – just two mph shy of the national speed limit for cars in the United Kingdom.
/https%3A%2F%2Ffootballgroundguide.com%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2FNiclas-Fullkrug.jpg "Niclas Füllkrug breaks Germany fan's hand before Scotland match 1")
Adding more to the story with his interview with Bild, Flathmann took a light-hearted view on the situation. He told the publication:
“I sang the anthem on the stretcher. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, I unfortunately had to give up my dream of attending the opening game. But when do you ever get your hand broken by Fülle?”
It is understood that Fullkrug has plans to send a care package to Flathmann to aid with his recovery which may include a shirt and tickets to a future Germany game. With Germany now confirmed for the round of 16, maybe Flathmann will get to see his nation play in the final next month.