On Sunday, an amateur footballer from West Flanders played his first game since he lost several of his fingers when a firework that had been thrown onto the pitch at the end of a game exploded in his hand.
Footballer Fabio back on the pitch for the first times since he lost his fingers when a firework exploded in his hand
Published:
Three months ago, Fabio Schifano, who is from Menen, was attempting to remove the a firework from the pitch when it exploded. Since then, the 26-year-old has undergone several operations. He told VRT News that he was glad to be playing football again. His team marked Fabio’s return with a 3-1 win.
"I was glad to be back on the pitch. Although my hand hurt a lot”, he said after the match.
"Hand feels like a block of ice"
On Sunday, much earlier than had been expected, Fabio Schifano was back in action for Menen. His team that plays in the West Flemish Provincial League Division 4C took on Hollebeke. Speaking after the match, Fabio Schifano told VRT News “I am really happy. Especially as we took all 3 points. 3-1 was enough to ensure that”.
Although he was glad to play again he is still in a lot of pain. "Playing football feels different than before my accident. It was very painful, particularly because it was so cold. My hand now feels just like a block of ice”.
Fabio still plays with a bandage around his injured hand even though he isn’t obliged to do so. "I do it for myself, but also for other people as it means that they don’t have to see what my hand really looks like. If they did, they might think that it looks strange”.
In the meantime, Fabio is feeling better mentally too. Although this can change from day to day. "Sometimes everything is fine, but sometimes less so. It’s not always easy, but today I am happy and emotional because I was able to play football again”.
Fabio Schifano’s name was chanted several times during the match. "That’s right. A lot of family and friends were present. Menen Football Club also supported me from day 1. They have always stood by me”.
Fabio never doubted that he wanted to play football again. "No, never. I have had to stop boxing, but I wanted to carry on playing football so that I could at least do something. It’s my hobby and something that I really enjoy doing”.