Niclas Fullkrug broke a fan’s hand before Germany’s win over Scotland (Picture: Getty)
Niclas Fullkrug was on the scoresheet as Germany opened their Euro 2024 campaign with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Scotland – but the striker had a moment to forget in the build-up to Friday’s curtain-raiser.
Kai Flathmann, a lifelong Germany supporter, had paid €195 for a front-row seat behind the goal at the Allianz Arena, though had to be stretchered from the stands after Fullkrug struck him with a wayward shot during shooting practice.
Fullkrug was named among the substitutes in Munich and the unfortunate fan in question was in hospital – diagnosed with a broken hand – by the time the Borussia Dortmund star came onto the field in place of Kai Havertz just past the hour-mark.
The 31-year-old forward rediscovered his shooting boots to score Germany’s fourth of the night as the hosts got their campaign off to a dream start, sending the tournament hosts top of Group A.
According to Bild, Flathmann had been warned by a pal stood beside him that Fullkrug’s effort was hurtling towards them but reacted too late to swerve out of the way.
Flathmann is set to receive a signed shirt from Fullkrug by way of apology and will be in attendance in Stuttgart to watch his team’s second group-stage clash versus Hungary on Wednesday.
‘I sang along to the anthem on a stretcher!’ Flathmann told the German newspaper while recounting his experience.
German fan Kai Flathmann ended up in hospital with a broken hand (Picture: Instagram)
‘I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! I unfortunately had to give up my dream of watching the opening game! But when do you ever get your hand broken by Fullkrug?
‘Luckily, he adjusted in the game and made it 4-0!
‘On Wednesday we will continue in Stuttgart and I will be there to cheer the team from behind the goal again.’
In a post on social media, Flathmann revealed he had received a message from the German FA after his ordeal in Munich.
‘I have no words, crazy things,’ Flathmann wrote in a post on Instagram along with a selfie taken from his hospital bed.
‘Bild is now reporting on this unfortunate incident and the German FA have been in touch with me as well!’
The Dortmund forward scored Germany’s fourth against Scotland (Picture: Getty)
Fullkrug was a key part of Dortmund’s side that reached the Champions League final last season but faces stiff competition for minutes this summer, with Havertz viewed as Germany’s first-choice striker.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Fullkrug insisted the Arsenal attacker had his full support and that he had to accept the decisions of head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
‘You have to accept the role you have in the team. Of course I gave my opinion, but I’m more or less an employee, the coach is the one who decides,’ he told the German media.
‘As a young player, you are taught to be competitive almost every day. But we have to remember that this is about something bigger and that we all have a responsibility.
‘Of course everyone wants to play, but now Kai Havertz has my absolute support.
‘I hope he scores a lot of goals because it will take us forward as a team and as a nation. I also see my role as a motivation.’
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