A Sunderland player has underwent an eye operation after he was shot in the face by a fellow team member.
Mark Maley, a reserve at Sunderland, was hit in the eye by an air pistol pellet fired by first teamer John Oster.
A Sunderland spokeswoman today released a prepared statement which said: "It was an unfortunate accident as neither player believed that their air pistol was loaded.
"John Oster deeply regrets the incident but this highlights the danger of air guns.
"Mark Maley has had an operation on his eye and is scheduled to (see) a specialist again in the next few days.
"It is too early to know whether he will need further treatment or what the final outcome will be."
The club refused to say where, when and how the incident took place, or if only one pistol was involved in the incident.
It is understood that the police have not been contacted about the incident.
PA