Bullfighting is a dangerous sport but remains popular in many parts of the world, particularly in regions with a historic connection to the tradition, such as Spain. While there have been calls to ban the sport, and some authorities have implemented limitations, thousands of spectators still flock to the arenas to witness bullfighting.

Accidents in bullfighting are not uncommon and often lead to severe consequences. A recent harrowing incident occurred in Spain when a man was struck and tossed into the air by a raging bull. He was ultimately rescued when the matador diverted the bull’s attention away from him. The incident unfolded in front of a shocked audience of thousands.

Frenchman becomes collateral damage

According to the Mirror, a French tourist was visiting Albacete, Spain, during the Lietor patron saint festival. As part of the festival, a bullfighting event was held in which participants tested their bravery against the bull. In his fifties, the man was drawn to the spectacle. As he approached the bull from behind, the animal suddenly turned and struck him with its horn, slamming him against the barrier. The man fell to the ground, and the bull subsequently attacked him again, goring him and tossing him into the air with its horn.

Despite efforts from the matador and others to divert the bull’s attention, the animal continued its aggressive behavior. Eventually, they succeeded in luring the bull away from the injured man, who lay on the arena floor with a visible horn wound on his stomach, bleeding profusely. Spectators rushed to his aid and helped carry him out of the arena, where he was then transported to Hellin Hospital by ambulance. His condition is reported to be severe. This incident brings to mind a similar incident involving a professional matador a few weeks earlier.

Matador left in severe condition after bullfighting

Alejandro Conquero, a professional matador was participating in a bullfighting event at the Cenicientos, a town in the Madrid area. At the arena wearing the traditional matador gear he teased the bull with his pink and yellow cape. As the bull approached him his horns hit the matador and tossed him in the air. When he fell on his face on the ground, the bull again approached him inserting its horn into his lower back throwing him in the air with his horn still inside him, and slamming him on the ground again.

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After being rescued, the 28-year-old Conquero was transferred to the Rey Juan Carlos de Mostoles hospital where his condition is said to be severe. The doctors who attended to him say the injury that he inflicted might have lifelong effects.

Bullfighting is a dangerous sport and those who play it must ensure their safety before going into the arena. The organizers should also make an effort to keep the safety of both the human and bull as prime.

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