The end of Sunday’s game between Manchester United and Manchester City got out of hand. Rio Ferdinand‘s face is living proof.
The Manchester United defender suffered a large cut above his left eye after he was hit by a coin thrown by a Manchester City fan. It caused blood to pour down his face, and he left the field to receive medical treatment. He returned moments before the final whistle.
Ferdinand was celebrating Robin van Persie‘s 93rd minute, game-winning goal near the stands when the projectile hit him. He picked it up and handed it to referee Martin Atkinson.
Manchester City apologized to Ferdinand and promised to help police find the person who threw the object, according to the BBC.
“We apologise to Rio,” a City spokesperson said. “We condemn the actions of the individual concerned. We will support the police with any investigation and hopefully identify the person as soon as possible.”
Minutes earlier, United forward Wayne Rooney dodged a barrage of objects that City fans threw at him as he was getting set to take a corner kick.
It’s unlikely that Ferdinand’s injury will cause any long-term damage. After the game, the 34-year-old made light of the incident but highlighted the security problems that plagued the final minutes of the thrilling contest.
City goalkeeper Joe Hart stopped a City fan who ran onto the field, presumably with the intention of attacking Ferdinand or another United player.
United won the tight contest 3-2, opening up a six-point lead atop the Premier League standings.
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Watch Ferdinand get hit by the coin in the video below.
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