Lyon's Lopes avoids permanent hearing damage after firecracker incident

Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes is experiencing post-traumatic hearing loss but has avoided permanent damage after a firecracker exploded near him during Saturday's match against Metz.

The contest was eventually called off as a result of unrest in the stands after firecrackers and other projectiles were thrown onto the pitch.

Lopes was taken to the hospital shortly after the firecracker went off just feet away from him while he was receiving treatment in his six-yard box.

On Sunday, the Portuguese netminder took to Instagram to update his followers, saying that he has avoided permanent hearing damage and that he will continue to meet with a specialist over the next two weeks.

In a statement, translated by Sky Sports, Lyon said Lopes' suffering goes beyond traumatic deafness:

Anthony Lopes will also need to overcome the psychological trauma provoked by this odious aggression.

The match was abandoned after 30 minutes, but there's been no word as to whether it will resume, or if Ligue 1 officials will force Metz - who led 1-0 at the time - to forfeit the contest and award three points to Lyon.