Watch the dramatic moment heroic steward drags ball-boy away from violent away fans during Everton’s 2-0 win over Hajduk Split
WATCH the dramatic moment a heroic steward drags a young ball-boy away from violent away fans during Everton's 2-0 win over Hajduk Split.
During the Toffees' Europa League clash with the Croatian outfit on Thursday night, the game was delayed by four minutes due to violence from the away end.
In the 32nd-minute of the showdown at Goodison Park, fans hurled bottles at home supporters, ripped out seats and even attempted to invade the pitch.
In one particularly violent moment, a Hajduk Split fan is seen throwing a punch at a steward.
But one stadium official went above and beyond the call of duty as he rescued a ball-boy from getting caught up in the aggression.
Sitting just inches from the rowdiness, a quick-thinking steward saw the violence swarming towards the pitch and hauled the youngster away from the hoardings and onto the field of play.
Another steward then kept an eye over him while match officials temporarily called the game off.
As the ref escorted the Everton stars off the pitch, Hadjuk players approached their disruptive following to appeal for calm.
Police and Everton security surrounded the away end in a desperate bid to restore peace.
After four minutes, the referee deemed it safe to resume play again.
The Toffees were one goal up before the ugly scenes began, with Michael Keane heading in Leighton Baines' cross to record his first goal for the club on the half-hour mark.
Idrissa Gueye slotted home the second just before half-time to leave the hosts in the driving seat of the Europa League tie.
Ronald Koeman takes his Toffees side to Hajduk's Stadion Poljud on August 24 for the second-leg of the playoff tie.