Ex-Nottingham Forest star Karim Ansarifard ruled out of World Cup clash after getting hit in eye with BIRTHDAY CAKE

FORMER Nottingham Forest striker Karim Ansarifard missed a World Cup tie on Tuesday ... after being hit in the eye by BIRTHDAY CAKE.

The AEK Athens ace sat out Iran's 2-0 win over Lebanon following a bizarre injury sustained when international team-mates held a party for his forthcoming 32nd birthday this Sunday.

Some Iran players are said to have pelted the 92-cap star with slices from a lavish cake decorated in his honour.

And Ansarifard's eye reportedly needing bandaging after being struck in the eye.

The former Osasuna and Olympiacos star initially hoped he would still be able to play on Tuesday afternoon.

But coach Dragan Skocic soon felt he had not choice but to leave Ansarifard out of the final qualifier.

Iran were already through to the World Cup in Qatar this winter.

And as expected they maintained their three-year unbeaten home record with a comfortable triumph - while ending Lebanon's lingering hopes of nicking the third play-off spot.

Bayer Leverkusen frontman Sardar Azmoun angled Iran's fine opener on 35 minutes.

And Feyenoord's former Brighton forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh clinched victory in the 72nd minute.

Meanwhile, one-time Celtic target Ansarifard, who played 12 times for Forest in 2018-19, was joining the list of footballers crocked by freak injuries.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard recently broke his hand celebrating a late winner as Everton manager.

Former Liverpool and England keeper David James injured himself reaching for a TV remote control - and did it again while fishing for carp.

Ex-Wimbledon stopper Dave Beasant once injured his foot after dropping a bottle of salad cream.

And ex-Leeds hardman David Batty was sidelined when his two-year-old daughter ran him over with a tricycle.