Most footballers are always concerned about the prospect of picking up a nasty injury. A recurring hamstring problem, a niggling ankle issue or perhaps even a season-ending ACL injury all have the potential to strike fear into the bones of a professional athlete.
But few – if any – will fear picking up a hematoma in the testicular area. Yes, you read right, a blood suffusion in the male private parts caused by a traumatic (and frankly absurd) injury. That’s exactly what happened to Juan Godoy, a 32-year-old footballer playing in Bolivia’s top flight.
Godoy, who plays for Bolivian side The Strongest, picked up the unusual muscle injury following the conclusion of a match against Blooming. It occurred after a series of pyrotechnic fireworks were launched from the section of the stadium holding The Strongest’s fans.
Harrowing footage from the match shows Godoy pleading with the fans to stop firing the flares just moments before one wallops into his nether region. He immediately falls to the floor while clutching his manhood and is quickly attended to by fellow players and staff.
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The club’s doctor revealed the day after the match that Godoy had suffered a grade one tear in the right thigh and a case of orchitis with hydrocele (inflammation and fluid accumulation) in the left testicle. But the good news is Godoy wasn’t seriously injured by the collision and is expected to be available in The Strongest’s next fixture.
The Strongest fans had been protesting the club’s ownership, with their ultras group releasing a statement. They said: “We would like to address all our fans to express our sincere apologies for the events that occurred. It was never our intention to cause harm to any player or member of the coaching staff. We always seek to encourage and contribute, not to put anyone at risk.”
There was plenty riding on the contest, given The Strongest and Blooming’s league positions. The pair are fighting towards the top of the table, with The Strongest taking a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The home side had trailed 2-1 at the break, but equalised midway through the second half via Jaime Arrascaita, with Godoy netting the eventual winner. The Strongest were also forced to play most of the match with 10 men after one of their centre-backs was sent off in the first half.
