Witnesses and security guards at the stadium said that the fan tried to release the bunch of about 30-40 balloons into the air by burning its curling ribbons using a lighter after he failed to break the ribbons with his hands.
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| Firefighters extinguish flames after a bunch of balloons explode in the game between Hai Phong and Sai Gon football clubs in Round 22 of the 2022 V-League 1 at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, October 28, 2022. Photo: H.T. / Tuoi Tre |
The ribbons, however, caught fire and caused the balloons, which contained the flammable hydrogen and helium gas, to explode right before the whistle of the game between Hai Phong and Sai Gon football clubs.
The man was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Part of his hair was also in flames.
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| Smoke is seen after a bunch of balloons explode in the game between Hai Phong and Sai Gon football clubs in Round 22 of the 2022 V-League 1 at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, October 28, 2022. Photo: H.T. / Tuoi Tre |
The patient was among a large group of Hai Phong football supporters hailing from the namesake northern city that had prepared about 4,000 balloons to cheer for their beloved team in the away game on Friday.
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| Supporters of Hai Phong football club bring balloons to cheer for their team in the game against Sai Gon in Round 22 of the 2022 V-League 1 at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, October 28, 2022. Photo: H.T. / Tuoi Tre |
The match ended with Hai Phong winning 1-0 over Sai Gon to ascend to the top of the Vietnamese top-flight football tournament V. League 1 after 22 rounds.
Sai Gon fell to 12th, right above the bottom, in the standings.
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