Balde ‘vomits BLOOD’ before being carried off on a stretcher in worrying scenes

There was immediate concern for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde when the youngster began vomiting blood after a nasty collision on Saturday.

Balde started at left-back for Hansi Flick's side in the match at Lluis Company's Olympic Stadium, which LaLiga leaders hoped would provide them with the perfect platform to extend their lead over rivals Real Madrid.

In the end, visitors Las Palmas emerged as shock winners as Fabio Silva scored a late winner, but Balde's worrying substitution marred much of the action as concerned teammates looked on.

The 21-year-old struggled with Sandro Ramirez for possession and went down holding his neck as he appeared to be coughing and choking.

Barcelona physiotherapists then rushed onto the pitch as Balde began throwing with blood pouring from his mouth onto the pitch, Spanish newspaper Dentro De Juego reported.

GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING

The gruesome scenes required further intervention from the medical staff and it was clear that Balde would play no further part in the match and he was quickly placed on a stretcher.

A specially equipped golf buggy then drove Balde off the pitch while the defender continued to receive medical treatment with it, but it was not yet confirmed what the specific problem was.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal was among those who watched cautiously as he stood in the dugout and appeared concerned as treatment was offered to the injured star.

Gerard Martin replaced Balde for the rest of the match as Barcelona held out for the first half before conceding just a few minutes in the second period.

Ramirez – with whom Balde had fallen out – initially gave Las Palmas the lead ahead of former Leeds winger Raphinha, who equalized with his tenth LaLiga goal of the season.

The hosts were then stunned when Silva scored a late winner to cut their lead at the top of the table to just four points.

Concerned fans quickly took to social media after seeing Balde throw up, with a message on I really hope he's okay, man. That was disgusting.'

Another spectator added: 'I was watching the match but I feel sorry for Balde because he vomited blood. I hope it's not a serious injury.'

Some reports in Spain suggest that Balde has now fully recovered from the incident and could be available for the club's midweek match against Mallorca.