During the 90th minute of New Zealand’s World Cup Qualifier against New Caledonia on Friday, New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz took to cleat to the face from a New Caledonia defender and the result was not pretty.
Smeltz pleaded with the referee to stop play, but the referee awarded a goal kick as Smeltz lay in agony. Watch the footage below.
WARNING: Graphic images.
A closer look shows just how bad the injury was.
People were interested in these podcasts
UPDATE:
Smeltz tweeted a picture of his forehead after he had been treated for his injuries.
About Mike Johnson