Man City star Rico Lewis is struck by a lighter thrown by a Burnley fan - with the culprit removed by police and set for ban

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Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis was struck by a lighter thrown from a section of Turf Moor containing home fans on Friday night.

The incident happened midway through the first half after the 18-year-old defender was bundled over by the corner flag by Burnley defender Conor Roberts.

As Roberts protested his innocence Lewis was struck by the lighter as he began to get back up to his feet at Turf Moor in the Premier League curtain raiser. 

Roberts fell back down to the turf and cried out in anguish but did not require medical attention. 

He was able to continue playing, with City recording a statement 3-0 win over the newly-promoted side managed by the visitors' former talismanic leader Vincent Kompany. 

Manchester City star Rico Lewis was struck by a lighter at Burnley on Friday night

The 18-year-old defender was also able to continue playing at Turf Moor

Burnley later confirmed a fan had been identified and removed from the ground.

In a statement the club said: 'We are aware of an incident that happened in the first half of the match where a missile was thrown at Manchester City player Rico Lewis. 

'This is unacceptable. The person responsible has been identified and removed from the ground by the police. 

'Any individual found guilty of throwing missiles within the stadium will receive a banning order. 

Lewis had been named in the starting line-up with £77million summer signing Josko Gvardiol having to settle for a place on the bench.

City took the lead in the fourth minute through Haaland, who steered home left-footed following Rodri's headed pass back across the six-yard box.

The Norwegian goal machine then grabbed his second of the game to extend City's lead in the 36th minute, curling home Julian Alvarez's lay-off following Kyle Walker's ball into the box.

Rodri made it 3-0 to City in the 75th minute when he lashed home a loose ball in Burnley's penalty area following a free-kick and the goal stood after a quick VAR check for handball.

Burnley were later reduced to 10 after a VAR check to cap off a miserable night on their return to the top-flight.  

Erling Haaland picked up where he left off last season with a quick-fire double in the first half