Dr Ilyas Bharuchi suffered the burns when the firework exploded on his seat at Westpac Stadium. Photo / Natalie Slade
A man has been charged over a firecracker incident at an All Whites game that left a fan with third-degree burns.
Ilyas Bharuchi suffered burns to his left leg and buttock after a lit firecracker was thrown into the crowd during the All Whites' World Cup playoff against Mexico at
Westpac Stadium in Wellington in November.
Police said today a 23-year-old man from Blenheim had been charged with wounding with reckless disregard for the safety of others in relation to the incident.
They believe the man threw the lit firework from the back row of the stand, setting fire to the victim and causing serious burns which required hospital treatment.
An investigation was launched after the severity of the Dr Bharuchi's injuries became apparent.
