On your head! Touchline reporter gets flattened by stray ball during Valencia vs Arsenal warm-up

Reporting on football can be dangerous to your health, as one reporter found out ahead of Thursday night's UEFA Europa League semi-final clash between Valencia and Arsenal.

A female touchline reporter for Spanish TV channel GOL was filming her pre-match report beside the pitch at the Mestalla Stadium when a stray pass from an unidentified Arsenal player connected with full force on the back of her head, knocking her almost completely out of shot.

The incident was captured and shared on Twitter by user @Kepa_Etxebarria.

The video had been watched more than a quarter of a million times by halftime in the match.

And it showed that, even during the supposedly low-key period before kick-off, you have to keep your wits about you at all times.