This weekend has not been a good one for Spanish football.
First there were reports that a Deportivo fan was killed during a melee with ultras from four teams: Riazor Blues (Deportivo), Frente Atletico (Atletico Madrid), Bukaneros (Rayo Vallecano) and Alkoor Hooligans (Alcorcon).
And now, Lionel Messi was shockingly struck by an object during his team's clash with Valencia earlier today. In an ill-tempered match that saw yellow cards flying left and right, the game was finally settled by Blaugrana midfielder Sergio Busquets' late goal to help the Catalan powerhouse continue to keep pace with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid as the title race heats up.
Certainly, Los Che supporters were upset, as the game looked like it would end as a scoreless draw and both sides would have to share the points. However, this fan took it way too far and hurled a water bottle--not empty, mind you--that hit the four-time Ballon d'Or winner and Champions League top scorer in the head.
Disgusting: La Liga's all-time top scorer was hit as his side celebrated their last-gasp goal
Even more interesting is that the 27-year-old received a yellow card immediately after the incident, as the referee felt that he was trying to run down the clock after being hit on the head.
Naturally, Valencia have declared that they will take harsh action against the offending fan if he can be located.
"Valencia CF regret and condemn the isolated incident in the game against FC Barcelona, in which a small, uncapped bottle of water was thrown from the stands at opposition player Lionel Messi," a statement on Los Che website read.
"The club will endeavour to locate the person who threw the bottle, and they will be banned for life from [the] Mestalla."
