Yarrawonga man fronts Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on fireworks charges causing serious injury

An end of year celebration turned into a terrible Tuesday for a country footy club after fireworks caused serious injuries to a star player and landed a club supporter in court.

Daniel Spencer fronted the Wangaratta Magistrates' Court over allegedly seriously injuring star Yarrawonga footballer Jess Koopman with fireworks.

A Yarrawonga man who allegedly brought a commercial grade firework to a footy function which blew up in a star footballer’s face has fronted the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court.

Daniel Spencer, 45, allegedly supplied a commercial grade manufactured firework which exploded and injured Yarrawonga Football Club Star Jess Koopman on September 26.

Mr Spencer has been charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and possession of an explosive substance.

Yarrawonga footballer Jess Koopman suffered serious facial injuries after an attempt to ignite fireworks went wrong. Picture: supplied.

A search warrant for his arrest was executed at a property in Benalla Rd on September 27.

The incident occurred only days after Koopman played a starring role in Yarrawonga’s first premiership since 2013.

Yarrawonga was coached by former Geelong star Stevie Johnson.

He suffered serious facial injuries and was in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital for six days.

Mr Koopman is expected to make a full recovery.