Match official left writhing in pain after being hit

The linesman was struck on the head by a cup thrown from the crowd

A Swedish assistant referee Fredrik Klyver on Thursday fell to the ground in the 78th minute of the game with blood oozing from his head after being hit by a powerful throw during Europa League clash between Sturm Graz of Austria and AEK Larnaca from Cyprus.

Visibly shaken, Klyver was treated by medics before making his way to the dressing room with his head bandaged.

In a statement on their website, Sturm Graz said: "This behaviour of a fan in today's Uefa Europa League game is by no means acceptable. This damages the reputation of football and us as a club.

We always try to see football as a positive celebration and to tackle these things. Fair play is our top priority.

We are sorry that today we have disappointed many football fans."

Sturm Graz later revealed that the fan who threw the missile had been apprehended.