A top-flight match in Austria was halted when Sturm Graz goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov suffered a clean lower-leg fracture during a challenge, requiring surgery and forcing him off the pitch on a stretcher.
The incident occurred in the 21st minute of the goalless local derby between Sturm Graz and Grazer AK, when Khudyakov took a heavy touch while controlling the ball in his own penalty area. Grazer AK right-back Jacob Italiano attempted to dispossess him but caught the goalkeeper's leg, causing Khudyakov to fall and scream in agony.
Players shield injured goalkeeper
It quickly became clear that Khudyakov had broken his leg, with his right foot visibly pointing in the wrong direction. Teammate Arjan Melic was first on the scene and frantically waved for medical attention after seeing the severity of the injury. Several players from both teams formed a circle around Khudyakov to shield his pain from the crowd and TV cameras, while Italiano became visibly emotional after realising the damage he had caused.
Khudyakov received treatment on the pitch for around seven minutes before being carried off on a stretcher. Sturm Graz went on to win 6-1 in his absence.
Manager confirms surgery
Speaking after the final whistle, Sturm Graz manager Fabio Ingolitsch said: "He's undergoing surgery right now. It was a clean lower-leg fracture. They did everything they could on the field to at least prevent the blood vessels from dying off because it's a very, very serious injury."
Italiano, who avoided punishment for his role in the incident, said: "It was a terrible situation. I wish him a speedy recovery and will definitely send him get-well wishes."
Club president criticises referee
Sturm Graz president Christian Jauk was left enraged by the decision not to punish Italiano and pointed his finger at the referee in an explosive post-match interview. He fumed: "We need to question a lot of things. We need to question a lot of things in Austrian soccer. It was an aggressive match from the start and the referee did nothing about it. We need the quality somewhere to ensure that something like this can't happen."
