Firecrackers injured dozens of fans at a football game in India.

The pyrotechnics were set alight to kick off a football match at a stadium in Malappuram, Kerala on February 17.

However, instead of flying into the sky, the explosives fired at the spectators instead.

Footage shows the fanatics fleeing from the bleachers as firecrackers arced and exploded towards them.

The pitch was blanketed in thick smoke as the barrage of fireworks continued.

A police spokesman said: 'The incident took place at a football ground where firecrackers were used before the start of a football match.

'The firecrackers burst and spread into the ground, where people were sitting to watch the match.'

Authorities said more than 30 injured individuals were taken to a hospital for treatment. They added they were investigating the cause of the botched fireworks display.

Firecrackers and fireworks are significant pyrotechnic devices in India, used for sporting events, religious festivities, and cultural events. As a result, firework-related injuries are common in the country, with hundreds of individuals injured or killed each year.