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Featured Image Credit: EFL
Topics: Football
Rory O'Callaghan
Tuesday's EFL Trophy clash between Cumbrian rivals Barrow and Carlisle United was suspended after a firework was thrown onto the pitch at the SO Legal Stadium.
Carlisle goalkeeper Michael Kelly narrowly escaped injury after the firework exploded just yards away from him.
The shocking moment occurred in the third minute of the match.
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As Kelly prepared to take a goal kick, the firework was thrown onto the pitch from the Holker Street End.
It landed a few yards away from the goalkeeper and started producing smoke.
Kelly appears to take a step towards the firework before it then exploded.
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Fortunately, the Carlisle goalkeeper appeared to be unharmed.
However, referee Seb Stockbridge suspended play and ordered both sets of players to leave the pitch.
According to The Sun, police and stewards then moved supporters to the nearby Popular Side terrace instead of behind the goal.
The PA announcer then said: "Any further incidents will result in tonight’s match being abandoned."
The match eventually resumed at 7:20pm, 17 minutes after the incident.
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Barrow would go on to win the game 2-0, thanks to late second-half goals from Josh Kay and Sam Foley.
After the match, Barrow confirmed the individual who threw the firework had been identified and banned for life.
"During tonight's Papa John's Trophy game against Carlisle United, an incident occurred which resulted in a firework being thrown onto the playing surface," read a club statement.
"Barrow Association Football Club has a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, including the use of pyrotechnics, and strongly condemns this behaviour.
"After working with Barrow Police, a suspect has been identified and arrested and will consequently be banned for life from the SO Legal Stadium.
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"Barrow Association Football Club must emphasise that we do not want to be associated with these people and they are not welcome at the SO Legal Stadium.
"As result of this, the Club will now be looking to implement measures to ensure this incident does not happen again."